Cholesterol Treatment in Singapore |
Dr Chan Po Fun,
Specialist in Difficult-to-Control Cholesterol

Why Cholesterol Can Be Hard to Control

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Several factors can make cholesterol stubborn:

• Genetic causes / Familial Hyperlipidaemia

• Underlying conditions: diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney or liver problems

• Medication limitations: intolerance to statins or sub-optimal dosing

• Lifestyle and metabolism: stress, hormonal changes, late meals, or insufficient sleep

 

Cholesterol regulation is complex, and highly individual.​

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Why Are Statins Still the Most Common Treatment

 

Statins remain the foundation of cholesterol treatment worldwide because they are

• Highly effective at lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol

• Proven to reduce heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death

• Well-studied, with decades of data across millions of patients

• Affordable and accessible

• Flexible, with multiple types and dosing strategies available

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For most people, statins offer the best balance of benefit, safety, and long-term protection.
When they are not suitable, alternative therapies are available to allow us to achieve the same goal of protecting your heart.

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​What are the common side effects of statins

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Common symptoms include:

• Muscle pain or cramps

• Increase in liver enzymes (transaminitis- increased AST and ALT levels)

• Tiredness or sleep disturbance

• Brain fog or memory issues

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These experiences are real, and should be taken seriously.

It is possible to protect your heart without compromising your comfort.

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Solutions include:

• Switching to hydrophilic statins (e.g. rosuvastatin, pitavastatin)

• Adding Co-enzyme Q10

• Combining low-dose statins with ezetimibe or bempedoic acid [Nexletol]

• Moving to statin-free options like PCSK9 inhibitors (evolocumab, inclisiran)

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Cholesterol control should be sustainable for real life, not a daily struggle.

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Advanced Cholesterol Treatments Beyond Statins

 

For patients unable to reach LDL targets, next-generation cholesterol therapies can dramatically lower risk.

These evidence-based options are now available in Singapore under specialist supervision.​

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Advanced cholesterol treatment are ideal for:

• Familial hyperlipidaemia (genetic high cholesterol)

• Patients who are unable to tolerate statins

• Those unable to meet LDL-C targets despite standard therapy

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cholesterol Management

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Q: My cholesterol is genetic. What’s the point of treatment?
A: Even with inherited cholesterol, treatment makes a big difference. Every 1 mmol/L drop in LDL-C lowers your heart-attack and stroke risk by ≈ 25%. Lower is always safer.

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Q: What is Familial Hyperlipidaemia (FH)?
A: FH is an inherited condition causing very high LDL cholesterol from birth. It affects 1 in 250 people and increases early heart disease risk. Genetic testing and early treatment can significantly reduce this risk.

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Q: I’m young and feel fine. Do I need medication?
A: Yes. Cholesterol buildup is silent and starts early. Beginning treatment sooner gives greater lifelong protection, even with small LDL reductions.

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Q: Will I need cholesterol medication forever?

A: Not always. Cholesterol control is a lifelong process, but your treatment can evolve. Once levels stabilise, we may reduce the dose, or switch to milder options. The goal is the lowest effective therapy for lasting heart protection.

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Q: Are cholesterol injections safe for long-term use?

A: Yes. Both PCSK9 inhibitors and Inclisiran have been extensively studied. They are safe, hormone-neutral, and well tolerated. The most common effect is mild injection-site redness that resolves quickly.

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Q: Can I still improve cholesterol naturally?
A: Absolutely. Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, weight control, and stress management enhance medication effects. We’ll guide you with practical steps that fit your daily routine.

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Take Control of Your Cholesterol, Safely and Comfortably

 

Don’t wait for symptoms.

 

Dr Chan Po Fun, a Singapore cardiologist specialising in cholesterol management, often sees patients with familial hyperlipidaemia who struggle despite lifestyle changes.

 

​Conveniently located at Mount Alvernia and Gleneagles Hospitals in Singapore, we serve patients from across the island seeking personalised cholesterol and heart care.

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