An Overview of Cholesterol Reducing Medications

Sometimes, changing your diet, exercising and taking positive steps toward reducing your cholesterol just isn't enough. Sometimes it is necessary to take a medication to help. The decision to prescribe medication is usually based on the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood, particularly high levels. There are several kinds of medications that are used for reducing high cholesterol.

Staitins

This class of drug lowers low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. It accomplishes this more effectively than other classes of drugs. Staitins inhibit the enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase. It is this enzyme that controls the rate at which cholesterol is produced in the body. These medications also enhance the liver's function in removing low density lipoprotein cholesterol that is in the blood.

Niacin

Niacin, a B vitamin, can lower triglycerides as well as low density lipoprotein levels when administered in high doses. It can also increase the HDL levels.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrats bind with bile acids, which contain cholesterol, in the intestines. They are then eliminated in the stool. Typically, this class of drugs can lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol considerably, by 10% or as much as 20%. When given in small doses these drugs can reduce the levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol considerably. Sometimes they are prescribed along with a staitin to increase the reduction of cholesterol.

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

This class of drug is relatively new. It inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the gut and has very few side effects. In fact, many patients report no side effects from this drug. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors can reduce the LDL cholesterol by as much as 18% to 20%. It is generally prescribed to people who are not able to take staitins. It may also be given to people who take staitins in small doses but are bothered with side effects when the dose is increased. Taking this type of drug along with taking staitins can significantly increase the effectiveness and cholesterol reducing properties.

Fibrates

This type of drug is mostly effective in reducing triglycerides. It can also slightly increasing HDL cholesterol levels. The primary drugs in this class are not necessarily effective in lowering LDL cholesterol. They are generally used to lower triglycerides and sometimes increasing the HDL cholesterol levels.

Even with the medications it is still necessary to maintain a sensible diet that incorporates fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes and grains. You should also cut back on foods high in saturated fat such as meat and poultry. Eggs are also a high cholesterol culprit so it is wise to limit your egg consumption to four a week. Include fish in your diet twice a week. Get regular exercise at least three times a week for thirty minutes at a time.

Other things that you can do to reduce your cholesterol levels include stopping smoking, losing weight and getting proper rest. You should also get regular health checkups. Know your target cholesterol level and know where you stand in your quest to reach that target. It takes discipline and perseverance to take the steps requires to lower your cholesterol level, but this is for your health. It's worth it.

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