Cholesterol and Statins ?

What is 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.

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

Cholesterol-lowering medicine is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Statins- how it works and the side-effects

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 intestinal problems, liver damage, and in a few people, 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:

• Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• Fluvastatin (Lescol)
• Lovastatin (Mevacor)
• Pravastatin (Pravachol)
• Simvastatin (Zocor)
• Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

 How Nicotinic Acid Works And Side-effects

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 Bile Acid Resins Work And Its Side-effects

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  Fibrates Work?

Fibrates reduce the production of triglycerides and can increase HDL cholesterol. Examples of fibrates include:

• Atromid
• Tricor
• Lopid

Ezetimibe 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.

The Side Effects of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs- 

• Muscle aches- then call your doctor at once, as it isn't a good sign.
• Abnormal liver function
• Allergic reaction (skin rashes)
• Heartburn
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Decreased sexual desire
• Flushing with nicotinic acid

The Foods One Should avoid while having cholesterol medications

You should limit grapefruit juice and fresh grapefruit consumption while taking statins, as grapefruit can interfere with the liver's ability to metabolize these medications. Talk with your doctor about your other medications, as it may be appropriate to adjust the dosing of your cholesterol medication depending on interactions.