Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2010 | Case report
An alternative treatment of hyperlipidemia with red yeast rice: a case report
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2010
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Introduction
Hyperlipidemia is prevalent and is highly associated with coronary heart disease. Some patients are reluctant or opt not to take lipid-lowering prescription medications for fear of adverse drug reactions. There are currently few well-designed randomized controlled trials showing the possibility of reducing cholesterol using red yeast rice. Meanwhile, adverse effects have also been reported.
Case presentation
A 64-year-old Asian man was diagnosed with hyperlipidemia despite a healthy lifestyle. In addition to diet changes, the patient used red yeast rice and succeeded in lowering his level of serum lipids.
Conclusion
Based on this case and a review of current literature, in addition to therapeutic lifestyle change, red yeast rice may be a useful alternative treatment for primary hyperlipidemia in patients with low cardiac risk and who refuse to take any lipid-lowering prescription medication or who maybe be statin intolerant.
However, primary care physicians must be aware of the potential side effects of taking red yeast rice.