Western Medicine constantly reminds patients that high cholesterol and high triglyceride (fat) levels leads to heart disease. Western Medicine believes that a high blood cholesterol level increases the risk of accumulating a layer of fat on the lining of the arteries which will lead to a coronary artery disease, heart attack or stroke. The liver produces cholesterol in the blood when cholesterol-rich foods are consumed such as eggs and dairy products. The National Cholesterol Education program has established 200 milligrams or less as the desirable cholesterol level for adults. Western Medicine believes that saturated oils found in daily products, red meats, and certain oils tend to raise blood cholesterol levels. Western Medicine also believes that very high cholesterol levels may be caused by a genetic disorder. The level of cholesterol in the blood is measured by taking blood samples.

Western Medicine treats high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels by prescribing cholesterol lowering drugs. Other recommendations will be to reduce stress, increase exercise, lose weight, and change to a low fat diet.

Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels relate to problems with the bowels. When constipation occurs, toxins in the colon can flow into the liver causing high triglyceride levels.

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses herbal medicine to treat patients with high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. By returning the bowel movements to normal, toxins will not be reabsorbed and the pressure on the liver will decrease. Additionally, patients are advised to avoid fried foods and to stop snacking.