Understanding Statins and Cholesterol Medications

by: RichBenvin
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In 2008 it was estimated that over 100 million American adults had a blood cholesterol level high enough to require medical advice. While Americans are getting more obese, the introduction of low risk cholesterol reducing drugs, like statins, have proven to lower cholesterol levels and fight heart disease.

There are things that can help you fight this problem. This article is designed to teach you how to do something about your cholesterol problems. First we will take a brief look at what cholesterol is and then we will show you how statin medications, prescribed by your doctor, can make you healthier. To treat high cholesterol there are many different types of statins, and we will review them for you.

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 it seems impossible to reduce your cholesterol levels using natural treatments your doctor may resolve to having you take cholesterol reducing medications like statins. Of these medications we will be focusing on statins. Even if you begin taking statins it is imperative that you follow through with natural, lifestyle treatments as well.

In order to know if you need these medications it is important you know both what statins are and also how they work to cut down your cholesterol levels in your body. HMG-CoA reductase is an enzyme in your body that is repressed by statins. This enzyme governs the rate cholesterol produces itself throughout your body. Anywhere from 20 to 60% is what statins are known to lower the body's cholesterol levels by. Statins are the only drug that can truly lower your body's Low Density Lipoprotein Levels (LDL). They do this by decreasing the production of cholesterol while at the same time increasing the liver's ability to retract the LDL.

Statins not only decrease total cholesterol and triglycerides, but they can also produce a moderate increase of HDL (High Density Lipoproteins). Encouraging results can usually be seen as quickly as 4 to 6 weeks after beginning use of the medication. Statins are also known to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other possible coronary illnesses.

Taking statins is not a good idea if: you are pregnant or breastfeeding; you have liver problems; you have experienced renal failure; you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day; or if you have allergies to the ingredients in statins or statins themselves. As always make sure to contact your local physician before using cholesterol lowering drugs.

Lipitor, Altocor, Crestor, Zocor, Lescol, and Mevacor are all brand name statins that you might have seen or heard of before. Please make sure to be aware of certain food and/or drug interactions that may cause you harm. If you consume more than a quart of grapefruit juice per day it can actually decrease the liver's ability to process some statins. It is more important to note however, that there are other medications that can possibly interact with the statins to cause some severe side effects.

If you are taking prescription or even over-the-counter drugs such as: birth control pills, immune system medications, medication for infections, medication for heart failure, HIV or AIDS, herbal supplements, Coumadin, or other cholesterol drugs make sure to let your doctor know before taking statins.

Although very rare, it is possible for side effects to surface from the use of statins. If you happen to experience vomiting, discolored urine, pain, muscle soreness,stomach pain, or weakness immediately discontinue the use of the medication and contact your physician.

About the Author

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