The present invention provides a method for treatment of high cholesterol by reducing low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and/or very low density Opoproiein cholesterol (VLDL-C) in subjects In need thereof by administering a compound that inhibits HIF hydroxylase activity. The method is useful, for reducing LDL cholesterol levels and total cholesterol levels even In subjects already undergoing treatment with other cholesterol-lowering medications, for example statins, fibrates, nicotinic acids and bile acid-binding resins, and in patients having chronic kidney disease or end stage renal disease, inter alia.