A lot of people suffer from elevated levels of cholesterol. Doctors often prescribe a diet low in fats and high in fiber along with an increase in exercise to lower the levels of cholesterol in the blood. When this does not work out in a few months, they are often prescribed a cholesterol lowering drug.
Cholesterol med come in different types. All share the common goal of lowering the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood stream, but work in slightly different ways. Only a doctor can determine which type of cholesterol med is best for you individually.
Statins are the first type of cholesterol med. Statins block the bodies production of cholesterol. This has the effect of lowering the LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood while creating a modest increase in HDL (good) cholesterol. Patients taking statins must often have liver function tests to verify that the cholesterol med is not damaging the liver.
Niacin, nicotinic acid, is one of the b complex water soluble vitamins we get from our diet. However, for lowering cholesterol, we need to consume it in large quantity. In large doses, niacin lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and raises HDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Side effects can include hot flushes and digestive upsets.
Bile acid resins work to reduce cholesterol levels by bonding with the bile produced in the liver, which is mostly cholesterol, to prevent it being absorbed back into the body in the intestines. Side effects of this class of cholesterol med can include constipation, nausea and gas.
There are a couple of other new classes of cholesterol medications. All types have side effects and all work differently. Seeing a doctor regularly for tests is important to learn which cholesterol med is best for you and to track the progress made in lowering cholesterol levels.
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