Monday, 26 August 2013

492. Cholesterol-Lowering Medication


High Cholesterol: Cholesterol-Lowering Medication

Sometimes cholesterol medication is recommended in addition to a low-saturated fat, low-refined carbohydrate, and high-fiber diet to lower cholesterol.
Cholesterol is an important part of your cells and also serves as the building block of some hormones. The liver makes all the cholesterol the body needs. But cholesterol also enters your body from dietary sources, such as animal-based foods like milk, eggs, and meat. Too much cholesterol in your blood can increase the risk of coronary artery disease.

Recommended Related to Cholesterol Management

        Your health care provider may send you for cholesterol tests, either as a part of a standard check-up or because he or she suspects you may be at risk for developing heart disease. But do you know what the cholesterol test results actually mean? Read on to learn how to interpret the numbers.
        The first line of treatment for abnormal cholesterol is usually to eat a diet low in saturated and trans fats, and high in fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and to increase exercise. But for some, these changes alone are not enough to lower blood cholesterol levels. These people may need medicine, in addition to making lifestyle changes, to bring their cholesterol down to a safe level.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs include:
·Statins
·Niacin
·Bile-acid resins
·Fibric acid derivatives
·Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
Continue reading below...
Cholesterol-lowering medicine is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

How Do Statins Work?

        Statins block the production of cholesterol in the liver itself. They lower LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides, and have a mild effect in raising HDL, the "good" cholesterol. These drugs are the first line of treatment for most people with high cholesterol. Statins have been shown in multiple research studies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and death from heart disease.
Side effects can include
1.      intestinal problems,
2.      liver damage, and in a few people,
3.      muscle tenderness.  
        Statins also carry warnings that memory loss, mental confusion, high blood sugar, and type 2 diabetes are possible side effects.
        It's important to remember that statins may also interact with other medications you take. 
Examples of statins include:
1.      Atorvastatin         (Lipitor)
2.      Fluvastatin           (Lescol)
3.      Lovastatin            (Mevacor)
4.      Pravastatin           (Pravachol)
5.      Simvastatin          (Zocor)
6.      Rosuvastatin        (Crestor)

How Does Nicotinic Acid Work?

        Nicotinic acid is a B-complex vitamin. It's found in food, but is also available at high doses by prescription.
        It lowers LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol.
        The main side effects are flushing, itching, tingling and headache. 
        A recent research study suggested that adding nicotinic acid to statin therapy was not associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Examples of nicotinic acid medication include:
·Nicolar and
·Niaspan

How Do Bile Acid Resins Work?

These drugs work inside the intestine, where they bind to bile from the liver and prevent it from being reabsorbed into the circulatory system. Bile is made largely from cholesterol, so these drugs work by depleting the body's supply of cholesterol. The most common side effects are constipation, gas and upset stomach. Examples of bile acid resins include:
·Questran and Questran Light
·Colestid
·WelChol

How Do Fibrates Work?

Fibrates reduce the production of triglycerides and can increase HDL cholesterol. Examples of fibrates include:
·Atromid
·Tricor
·Lopid
Ezetimibe (Zetia) lowers bad LDL cholesterol by blocking cholesterol absorption in the intestine. Research studies have not found that ezetimibe is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

Related to Cholesterol & Triglycerides

·Stroke
What is your LDL (low-density lipoprotein) level?
Less than 100 mg/dl
100 to 129 mg/dl
130 to 159 mg/dl
160 to 189 mg/dl
Higher than 190 mg/dl
Answer:
Desirable         0-199
Borderline       200-239
High                240+
Your level is currently
Congratulations! Your total cholesterol level is in the Desirable range, and your level of "bad" LDL cholesterol is optimal.
Congratulations! Your total cholesterol level is in the Desirable range, and your level of "bad" LDL cholesterol is near optimal.

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