What do you do when diet and exercise are not enough to lower cholesterol? Statin drugs (Atorvastatin-Lipitor, Pravostatin-Pravahol, Simvistatin-Zokor, Fluvastatin-Leskol XL, Lovastatin-Mevacor and Rosuvastatin-Crestor) are considered the first choice for lowering cholesterol. This is because they have a proven track record of reducing heart attacks and strokes, as well as prolonging life. You can no longer watch the evening news without seeing advertisements of this class of drugs. Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG CoA reductase, which is necessary for the production of bad cholesterol. These blockbuster drugs are the most commonly used drugs to treat high levels of LDL cholesterol. But the amount of LDL cholesterol is not always a problem of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance causes the quality of LDL to go to a dangerous low dose. Statins have little effect on lowering triglycerides and raising cholesterol levels in HDL (good). Statins help improve the quality of LDL from a dangerous, low dose type to a less dangerous, large fluffy type. Statins have "antioxidant" properties that reduce inflammation and blood clotting. Statins significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and may even change it. That's why statins are prescribed more and more at higher doses than ever before.
The most common side effect can be muscle problems, which can range from mild pains and pains to severe muscle damage. Any muscle pain or weakness should be reported to your physician. A test called CPK or CK can be done to determine if the drug causes muscle damage. Because statins have such tremendous health benefits, most doctors now recommend that you continue to take it if it causes only mild muscle pain. Inflammation of the liver is a rare side effect. Your doctor will need to periodically monitor liver tests.
Also known as "fibrous acid derivatives" or "fibrates", effective for lowering cholesterol. Fibrates are an ideal choice for people who are overweight because they reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol with increasing levels of HDL cholesterol. Side effects are unusual, but muscle problems or liver problems may occur.
Also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, niacin, in high doses, simultaneously peaks multiple lipid abnormalities by lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol with increasing HDL cholesterol. Regular niacin is available as an over-the-counter supplement, but it is very difficult to take because the required doses (usually 1000–2000 mg per day) almost always cause side effects of washing or tingling or redness of the skin. To reduce side effects, start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several months. Cleaning can also be reduced by taking aspirin and drinking a full glass of water one hour before taking niacin. Niacin slow-release drug administration, known as Niaspan, is easier to take because there are fewer side effects, but there may be significant flushing.
The problem with niacin is that it can worsen insulin resistance and can increase blood sugar levels. For many people, the benefits may outweigh the risks, and niacin can be beneficial to an overall health and wellness plan. Although niacin is available without a prescription, it should be taken only under medical supervision.
Lovaza is a prescription omega-3 fatty acid approved for the treatment of high triglyceride levels. This substance, found naturally in cold-water fish, also improves insulin resistance. A prescription drug is better than over the counter drugs because it is more powerful and cleaner.
Bile acid sequestrants or “bile acid gums,” lower LDL cholesterol, pulling it out of the digestive juices, allowing it to pass in the stool. Bile acid gums can increase triglyceride levels. The most common side effect is constipation. Apply fiber and proper hydration.
Ezetimibe lowers LDL cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. Ezetimibe does not do much for triglycerides or HDL cholesterol. Side effects are rare, but there may be abdominal pain or diarrhea. Do you remember these Vytorin videos promoting the benefits of combination drugs for treating high cholesterol? Commercials displayed an interesting character, matched with a plate of food in the same colors and design as the actor's ensemble. The advantages described in advertising are the treatment of cholesterol by treating both genetics and food. Drug manufacturers claimed that two drugs were better than one. An important study, called ENHANCE, which casts doubt on the benefits of ezetimibe, one of the components of Vytorin, was a big shock for doctors and patients. In this study, the combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin (marketed as Vitorin) was compared with simvastatin. It turned out that the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries is no different between these two methods, although the combination drug was stronger with lower cholesterol. Researchers are working to understand these results and what they really mean. We really do not know whether ezetimibe really reduces heart attacks or saves lives. Simvastatin and other statin drugs, on the other hand, have proven well to do just that.
The 2008 ezetimibe study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has shown that it can increase the risk of developing various types of cancer, including prostate, colon and skin cancers. Cancer death is more common in patients who have taken ezetimibe. We do not know whether enlarged cancer is really an ezetemibe effect or something else. One theory is that Ezetemibe increases the risk because it not only blocks the absorption of cholesterol, but also blocks the absorption of other anti-cancer substances.
Most experts, including the American College of Cardiology, recommend that statin preparations be the best first method of combating cholesterol and use other drugs such as niacin, fibrates, co-sewers, cholestyramine and omega-3 fatty acids as the next line of defense. Ezetimibe should be reserved as a last resort.
The bottom line is that most experts recommend using proven drugs to lower cholesterol. Untested drugs are just ... unproven.
