In most instances hyperlipidaemia will respond to appropriate changes
in diet and life-style. Achievement of ideal body weight by eating less and
drinking less alcohol and exercising more is of paramount importance.
Failure of plasma lipids to normalise despite compliance with dietary advice,
preferably given by a dietician, and despite adequate weight reduction
suggests that there may be a genetic basis for the hyperlipidaemia or some
other underlying cause, to ascertain which it may be necessary for your
doctor to refer you to a specialist at a Lipid Clinic, who will carry out
appropriate tests and then advise whether you require treatment with lipid-
lowering drugs. However, such drugs are necessary in only a minority of
hyperlipidaemic patients, usually those in whom the condition has been
inherited. But whatever method of treatment is used it has to be adhered to
on a long-term basis. Hyperlipidaemia is not a self-limiting condition like influenza and its control requires a permanent commitment on the part of the
individual concerned.