Understanding Statins and Cholesterol Medications
Today, the number of American adults who should seek medical advice in order to reduce their high blood cholesterol levels has reached over 100 million. One medication which has limited side effects and is known to lower cholesterol levels and fight heart disease whilst Americans are continually getting larger are statins.
Despite this epidemic problem, there is good news. You can do something about the problem and that's what this article is all about. We will take a laymen's look at cholesterol and the statin medications that your doctor would prescribe to better your personal health. We will review the different types of statin medications available for the treatment of high cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance that presents itself naturally in cell walls and membranes everywhere in your body. Your body uses cholesterol to produce many hormones. Where problems arise is when there is an over abundance of cholesterol in your bloodstream.
If you aren't able to cut down your cholesterol levels using natural remedies, your doctor may decide you need medical assistance in controlling your cholesterol. It is important that you continue with healthy lifestyle treatments also. Although there are numerous types of medications to assist in lowering your cholesterol levels, we will be focusing on statins.
It is important that you first know what statins are and how they help to reduce your cholesterol. Statins suppress HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme. HMG-CoA reductase monitors the rate that cholesterol creates itself in the body. Statins have been proven to lower cholesterol from 20% to 60%. Statins simultaneously increase the liver's capability to withdraw Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) while slowing the production of cholesterol. There is no other drug that successfully lowers the LDL levels better than statins.
Statins can also produce a modest increase of HDL (High Density Lipoproteins) while decreasing total cholesterol and triglycerides. Positive results are usually seen after just 4 to 6 weeks of beginning the medication. Overall statins are proven for lowering heart attack risks, strokes and other coronary diseases related to high cholesterol levels.
You should not take statins if: you are allergic to statins themselves or their ingredients; you are pregnant or breastfeeding; you have liver disease; you regularly consume excessive amounts of alcohol; you have a history of myopathy; or if you have experienced renal failure.
Brand names of statins that you might recognize are Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Altocor, Pravahol, Zocor and Crestor. There are some drug and/or food interactions that you should be aware of. More than one quart of grapefruit juice per day can decrease the ability of the liver to process some statins. More importantly there may be other medications that can interact and cause serious side effects.
If you are taking prescription drugs or even OTC drugs such as: herbal supplements; medications for infections, immune system, heart failure, HIV or AIDS; birth control pills; Coumadin; or other cholesterol reducing drugs make sure to inform your doctor prior to using statins.
Although unlikely, it is possible for side effects to appear from the use of statins. If you happen to experience the following: vomiting, discolored urine, pain, muscle soreness, stomach pain, or weakness immediately stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
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