Have you recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol? If so, you may be wondering what types of cholesterol-lowering medications are available or how they may affect you. Show
While eating a healthy diet, exercising, and quitting smoking can all help lower cholesterol, your healthcare provider may also prescribe medications to adjust your cholesterol levels. While lifestyle changes are important for managing your cholesterol, sometimes medications need to be added in order to reduce cholesterol to target levels. This article will review the benefits and risks of high cholesterol medication, which options are available, and the possible side effects of medications.
What Is Cholesterol?Cholesterol is a type of molecule used by your body to produce energy and store fats. Cholesterol plays an integral role in the formation of cell membranes and so it is essential for your body to function. There are several different types of cholesterol. One type is known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It is considered the "good" cholesterol in the body. HDL cholesterol helps remove other types of cholesterol from the body. Another type known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered the "bad" cholesterol in the body. This type of cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries. This causes damage inside the arteries known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis causes the arteries to become damaged and narrowed. Over time, atherosclerosis can limit the amount of blood that can flow through the blood vessels and into the organs of your body. In severe cases, high cholesterol levels can lead to the formation of complete blockages in the small arteries that supply blood to your heart and brain. These blockages can abruptly cutoff the supply of blood, causing a heart attack or stroke. Causes and Risks FactorsMany factors influence your cholesterol levels. Lifestyle choices can have a big impact on your dietary cholesterol levels and your body’s ability to effectively remove cholesterol from the blood. A diet that is rich in high-fat foods and animal products such as red meats, eggs and butter, and lower in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been linked to higher cholesterol levels. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk. Smoking cigarettes or using vaping products can also directly raise cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels can also be partially determined by your genetics. Some people have genetic disorders, such as a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), that can lead to high levels of LDL cholesterol in their blood. How High Cholesterol Medication Is UsedThe treatment of high cholesterol is a two-pronged approach focused on lowering bad LDL cholesterol and increasing good HDL cholesterol. Your healthcare provider will typically recommend treatment with high cholesterol medications, aimed at lowering your total cholesterol and, more specifically, your LDL levels. An elevated total cholesterol level is usually defined as a level above 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or an LDL level above 130 mg/dL, but these cutoffs may vary based on your risk for coronary artery disease. In general, lower is better when it comes to LDL cholesterol. Statin medications are often the first medications used for high cholesterol. Therapy with statins is divided into low-, medium-, and high-intensity levels. The higher the intensity level, the greater the targeted reduction in LDL levels. Depending on the severity of your high cholesterol levels, other cholesterol-lowering medication may also be prescribed. Types of Cholesterol-Lowering Medications There are many different types of cholesterol medications, but they all work to either lower LDL cholesterol or raise HDL cholesterol, including the following:
BenefitsHigh cholesterol medications are very effective at lowering LDL cholesterol, which in turn significantly reduces the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Many cholesterol medications, particularly statins, have been studied for decades and have been shown to have real benefits for patients that may go beyond their cholesterol-lowering abilities. Statins, for instance, may help improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation. Side Effects and RisksAs with many prescription medications, the most common risk associated with high cholesterol medication is the potential for liver damage. To prevent this complication, your healthcare provider will monitor your blood work for changes in your liver enzyme levels after you start these medications and may change your medications, if necessary. Physical side effects of high cholesterol medications vary by the type of drug and include:
PreventionAdopting heart-healthy lifestyle strategies can help prevent the development of high cholesterol, particularly in those who don't have a genetic disorder that causes high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends sticking to a low-fat, low-sodium diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources such as fish, poultry, and beans. You'll also want to limit your consumption of high-fat foods, including red meat, full-fat dairy products, fried foods, and heavily processed foods. Exercising regularly and avoiding smoking or vaping can also go a long way toward lowering your cholesterol levels. A Word From Verywell High cholesterol levels are extremely common and many people need to take medications to lower their cholesterol to a normal range. Importantly, these medications are just one tool
that you can use to lower cholesterol levels. When combined with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, these medications can be a powerful tool to help you live a healthy and full life. Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 5 cholesterol medications?Statins include:. Atorvastatin (Lipitor®). Fluvastatin (Lescol. ®). Lovastatin (Mevacor®). Pravastatin (Pravachol®). Rosuvastatin (Crestor®). Simvastatin (Zocor®). What is the best medication to treat high cholesterol?Statins — Statins are one of the best-studied classes of medications and the most commonly used drugs for lowering LDL cholesterol. They are the most effective drugs for prevention of coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and death.
What is the safest and best cholesterol medicine?According to a research review people who take simvastatin (Zocor) or pravastatin (Pravachol) may experience fewer side effects.
What is the latest treatment for high cholesterol?New Treatments for High Cholesterol. There's a new drug called Nexletol, and it's used for people with the highest risk. That's people with genetic or familial high cholesterol or those who have heart disease and further need to lower their cholesterol.
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