In my career as a doctor, I have come across a wide variety of cases, but some are always unforgettable. Take, for example, Mr. Lee's story. He is a 50-year-old patient with hyperlipidemia who has a stressful and irregular daily work routine, and has long relied on statins to control his blood lipids. However, despite this, his blood lipid levels are still alarmingly high. Mr. Lee's case is not unique, and such patients are not uncommon in my outpatient clinic.
One day, Mr. Li came to me with his test report, which showed that his cholesterol level was still high. In the face of his anxious eyes, I knew it was time to introduce him to a new treatment option – a new type of lipid-lowering injection. This lipid-lowering injection can achieve incredible lipid-lowering results with only two injections a year, and studies have shown that it can reduce blood lipids by up to 70%.
Comparison with statins
First of all, we have to figure out how these two drugs play. The new lipid-lowering injection, with its unique working mechanism, directly targets the "bad cholesterol" (LDL-C) in the blood, with a hit rate of up to 70%, which is remarkable, while statins indirectly reduce the level of LDL-C in the blood by inhibiting the production of cholesterol by the liver. In short, one is direct interception, and the other is control at the source.
Next, let's talk about who is suitable for. The new lipid-lowering injections are undoubtedly a ray of hope for those patients who have serious side effects of statins or cannot use statins due to their personal constitution. At the same time, for those patients who need to significantly reduce their LDL-C levels, this treatment plan that only requires two injections a year is simply a blessing for door-to-door. On the other hand, statins, as a veteran of lipid-lowering drugs, are suitable for a wider range of people, especially for patients who need long-term stable control of blood lipids.
Finally, let's talk about the significance of inclusion in health insurance. The inclusion of new lipid-lowering injections is undoubtedly a major step forward in the inclusiveness of medical insurance policies, which means that more patients will enjoy more advanced and effective treatments. From a financial perspective, this is good news for many families. Similarly, statins have long been a frequent visitor to the medical insurance catalogue due to their relatively affordable price and stable treatment effect, providing a stable and reliable treatment option for the majority of patients.
In this battle of lipid-lowering drugs, there is no absolute winner, only the most suitable choice for the individual needs of the patient. We remind patients that when choosing a treatment plan, they should fully consider their own situation, have in-depth communication with their doctors, and choose the most suitable treatment plan for them. The ultimate goal of this "old friend" story of the drug should be the health and well-being of patients.
The significance of inclusion in health insurance
First of all, when it comes to financial burden, this is undoubtedly one of the biggest concerns many families have when facing chronic diseases. Traditional statins, although they have been on the market for many years, remain a major challenge for some economically disadvantaged families. The inclusion of the new lipid-lowering injections in the medical insurance means that patients will enjoy advanced treatment while greatly alleviating the financial pressure of their individuals or families. Imagine that a hyperlipidemic patient who used to need to buy expensive drugs on a regular basis now only needs to receive two injections a year and the cost is covered by health insurance.
Secondly, from the perspective of treatment popularization, the inclusion of the new lipid-lowering injection in medical insurance not only lowers the economic threshold of patients, but also greatly improves the acceptability and popularization rate of this treatment plan. We know that hyperlipidemia is one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and timely and effective management and control of blood lipid levels are of great significance for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, due to factors such as cost, some patients may be hesitant and delay treatment. The coverage of medical insurance makes the advantages of this new lipid-lowering injection able to benefit a wider range of people, so that more patients have the opportunity to receive effective and convenient treatment, so as to reduce the health risks caused by hyperlipidemia on a larger scale.
The significance of the new lipid-lowering injections included in the medical insurance is far more than a simple change in treatment plan. It represents the progress of medical policy and reflects the direction of rational allocation of medical resources and the improvement of the social security system. For patients, this is a new hope for the treatment of hyperlipidemia conditions, so that they can enjoy more efficient and convenient treatment services at a lower economic burden. For society as a whole, it is a big step forward and an important progress in the management and prevention of chronic diseases.
Lipid management in daily life
Dietary modifications: Eat healthy blood lipid levels
Reduce your intake of saturated fatty acids: Switch to a skimmed or low-fat version for milk and choose skinless chicken, fish or lean pork for meat.
Increase your intake of dietary fiber: Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.
Choose healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from deep-sea fish, for example, can help raise good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce inflammation in blood vessels.
Lifestyle changes: Live a low-lipidemic lifestyle
Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling. Exercise can help increase HDL levels while also helping you lose weight, a double benefit.
Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even 5% of your body weight can significantly improve your blood lipid levels.
Quit smoking and drinking: Smoking lowers HDL (good cholesterol), while excessive alcohol consumption can increase your triacylglycerol levels.
Psychological adjustment: Mood also affects blood lipids
Decompression: Long-term stress can lead to elevated blood lipids. Try meditation, yoga, or other relaxation activities that interest you to help reduce stress.
Stay optimistic: A positive mindset can help improve your overall health, including your blood lipid levels.
Overall, managing blood lipids is not as simple as taking medication. Dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and even mindset adjustments can have a positive impact on blood lipid levels. Remember, your body is your own, and your health should be in your hands. On this road, I am willing to walk with you, change together, and progress together.