Chronic Disease & Internal Medicine

From Everyday Health to Ongoing Care From managing chronic conditions like hypertension,
diabetes, and hyperlipidemia to everyday concerns
such as
colds and digestive issues, The Heart Clinic provides
accurate diagnosis and comprehensive care to support
your
daily well-being.

Dyslipidemia and classification criteria for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol. LDL targets should be individualized according to cardiovascular risk.

LDL cholesterol treatment targets by cardiovascular risk category, emphasizing individualized goals for preventing heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.

Lifestyle changes for dyslipidemia include a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management, smoking cessation, and reduced alcohol and refined carbohydrate intake.

Hidden Causes
of Elevated Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol can become elevated or insufficiently cleared due to hypothyroidism, kidney or liver disease, obesity, pregnancy, or certain medications.

Your current medications may need review.

Some medications may contribute to elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Before starting treatment, existing conditions and medications should be reviewed to identify hidden contributing factors.

Triglycerides may rise with excessive alcohol or carbohydrate intake, uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, or certain medications.

Your current medications may need review.

A clinician explaining cholesterol buildup in an artery model

Diagnostic Process

Dyslipidemia treatment is about setting the right target and reaching it while minimizing side effects.
At The Heart Internal Medicine Clinic, we help guide that process with you.

CV Risk Assessment: Evaluates overall
cardiovascular risk and sets
an individualized LDL
cholesterol target.

Secondary Causes: Reviews thyroid, kidney,
and liver function, medications,
and other causes of
elevated lipids.

Medication Adjustment: Medication is adjusted
step by step according to
target levels, risk, and
coexisting conditions.

Side Effect Monitoring: Symptoms, liver enzymes,
and treatment response
are monitored regularly.

Integrated Care: Lipid management is tailored
to coexisting conditions.

Dyslipidemia
FAQs

To help answer common questions in advance,
we provide key information before your visit.

How is dyslipidemia treated?: Treatment is adjusted step by step based on cardiovascular risk and LDL targets.
Statins are usually started first, with ezetimibe added if needed.
For high- or very-high-risk patients who remain above target,
injectable PCSK9 inhibitors may be considered every 2 or 4 weeks.

Do statins have side effects?: Some patients experience muscle pain or discomfort, but serious muscle damage is rare.
Persistent pain or muscle weakness may require a muscle enzyme test.
If side effects occur, treatment can be adjusted by changing the statin, lowering the dose,
adding ezetimibe, or using alternate-day dosing.
Lipid and liver function tests are monitored regularly. Other medications may be preferred
for patients with liver disease or during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Can I stop medication once my levels improve?: Improved levels are often the result of medication and lifestyle changes.
Stopping treatment on your own may raise LDL again and increase cardiovascular risk.
Any change or discontinuation should be discussed with your doctor.

Can dyslipidemia be inherited?: Yes.
Inherited conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia can cause very high LDL levels
even at a young age. If a parent or sibling has had a heart attack, stroke, or dyslipidemia,
regular screening is recommended.

Can lifestyle changes alone lower cholesterol?: Lifestyle changes are essential.
Weight control, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and a healthy diet can help lower LDL
cholesterol and triglycerides. However, medication may also be needed
for patients with genetic risk or a high cardiovascular risk.

Directions

NH Nonghyup Tower, 2F near Starbucks

Dyslipidemia | THE HEART CLINIC

Chronic Disease & Internal Medicine

Hidden Causes
of Elevated Cholesterol

Your current medications may need review.

Your current medications may need review.

Diagnostic Process

Dyslipidemia
FAQs

134 Tongil-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
NH Nonghyup Tower, 2F

Clinic Hours

Directions

NH Nonghyup Tower, 2F near Starbucks

Chronic Disease & Internal Medicine

Hidden Causesof Elevated Cholesterol

Your current medications may need review.

Your current medications may need review.

Diagnostic Process

DyslipidemiaFAQs

134 Tongil-ro,Jongno-gu, SeoulNH Nonghyup Tower, 2F

Clinic Hours

Hidden Causes
of Elevated Cholesterol

Dyslipidemia
FAQs

134 Tongil-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
NH Nonghyup Tower, 2F