If your doctor is unable to lower your lipids by traditional means, ask for a referral to a Looking to start a diet to better manage your cholesterol? High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attacks and coronary heart disease, because it builds up in the arteries, narrowing them. There are a variety of medications a doctor may consider if you cannot bring down your cholesterol and triglyceride levels by diet and lifestyle changes alone. Tulsi tea is capable of reducing high blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. The researchers note, however, that more studies are needed to clarify the beneficial dosage for different populations. Jáuregui-Garrido B, Bolaños-Ríos P, Santiago-Fernández MJ, Jaúregui-Lobera I. Depending on the severity of atherosclerosis, symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue (particularly with exertion), muscle weakness, chest pain, or pain in an arm, leg, or wherever a vessel may be blocked. Several metabolic disorders are associated with secondary hyperlipidemia:Any disorder that affects the endocrine system (which regulates hormone production) or metabolism (the conversion of calories to energy) can increase the risk of secondary hyperlipidemia. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Additionally, if you are currently on medications to lower your ch… Cholesterol-lowering drugs also are key. It can lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels. Despite the significant advantages, they offer in treating several forms of heart disease, beta blockers also have been noted to decrease HDL levels and elevate triglyceride levels. Like other supplements, little is known about the safety of long-term or regular use of tulsi due to a lack of research. The lipid panel is measured in values of milligrams per deciliters (mg/dL). If you choose to use this supplement, look for a product with a seal of approval from a third-party organization that provides quality testing, such as U.S. Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab.com, and NSF International. To ensure you are purchasing a quality product look for a trusted independent, third-party seal on the label, such as U.S. Pharmacopeia, NSF International, or ConsumerLab. In other cases, a drug may impair hormone-producing glands, alter the chemistry of blood, or interfere with how lipids are cleared from the body. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.There's no good evidence that statins cause or trigger Statins are medications prescribed for the treatment of high cholesterol. Looking to start a diet to better manage your cholesterol? In some cases, the adverse effect on lipids may be only temporary. Unfortunately, high cholesterol does not display symptoms or warning signs. In addition to a lipid panel, family history, age, gender, weight, current health, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors such as smoking are considered. Excessive amounts of saturated fat and trans fats from red meat, processed meats, commercial baked goods, and fried foods also can contribute to secondary hyperlipidemia. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved The body uses cholesterol to produce hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. Cyclosporine is a drug used to suppress the immune system. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Among the drugs associated with secondary hyperlipidemia: Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Beyond their role in lowering blood pressure, beta-blockers are instrumental in prolonging the survival of people with  Some of the causes are beyond your control and simply require you to step in to improve your blood lipid profile. Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. Some of the medications you are taking for other medical conditions, such as However, it may also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Drugs that increase hormone levels, such as hormone replacement therapy for treating menopause, can cause cholesterol to accumulate because the body no longer needs it to synthesize hormones. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid used to reduce the swelling, warmth, and tenderness associated with many inflammatory conditions. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.