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Cholesterol Medications
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the bloodstream and in all your body’s cells. It is important for making hormones, vitamin D and other substances that help you digest foods. But, too much cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and cause a variety of cardiovascular related problems. To reduce cholesterol levels and associated risks, many people find that medication is helpful.
Types of Cholesterol Medication
- Statins: Statins are the most commonly prescribed cholesterol medications. They help reduce the liver’s production of LDL cholesterol and raise levels of HDL cholesterol.
- Bile Acid Sequestrants: Bile acid sequestrants are medications that help bind bile acids, which are used in the digestion of dietary fat, in the intestine so they can be eliminated in the stool. This reduces the absorption of cholesterol.
- Fibric Acid Derivatives: Fibric acid derivatives help the liver release fewer fatty acids into the bloodstream. This can be helpful in lowering triglyceride levels and raising HDL levels.
- Niacin: Niacin is a B vitamin. It helps reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and can also raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Side Effects of Cholesterol Medication
Although cholesterol medications are very effective and safe, they can still cause some side effects. Common side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal problems: Depending on the medication, people may experience nausea, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal discomfort.
- Muscle pain: Statin medications can cause muscle pain and tenderness in some people.
- Liver damage: People taking cholesterol medications, particularly statins, may experience rare cases of elevated liver enzymes, indicating potential liver damage.
- Headaches: People taking cholesterol medications may experience headaches, though it is rare.
Tips for Managing Cholesterol Medication
If you are taking cholesterol medications, work with your doctor to ensure that it’s managed properly. Consider the following tips to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety:
- Take your medications consistently and on time.
- Don’t change your dosage without consulting your doctor.
- Consider supplementing with natural substances to enhance the effectiveness of your medication – but only after consulting with your doctor to determine whether it is appropriate for you.
- Limit the amount of processed and fatty foods that you consume.
- Take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly and quitting smoking.
Cholesterol medications are important tools in managing cholesterol levels. By understanding the types of medications available, their potential side effects and tips for managing them, you can get the most out of your cholesterol medications.
