Sunday, February 28, 2010

Four effective High cholesterol medications to curb cholesterol content

Higher cholesterol content in blood makes you vulnerable towards heart and cardio vascular diseases. Diabetes and higher cholesterol content are also deadly combination. Elevated content of cholesterol has adverse impacts on the smooth functioning of several key organs of human body. Hence, early diagnosis and effective medication to curb high cholesterol content is imperative. Several high cholesterol medications have cropped up with advancement of medicine science. They are Statins, Niacin, bile-acid resins, derivatives of fabric acid and inhibitors having cholesterol absorption capacity. In this article, we will discuss regarding the available medications, their impact and possible side effects.

Popular Statins prescribed for cholesterol reduction: Statins commonly prescribed by doctors for the treatment of high cholesterol content in blood are Crestor, Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Pravachol and Zocor. They are capable of reducing production of cholesterol in liver. Along with, they have the potential to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. Studies have also found that statins can push up good cholesterol content mildly. Both of the above are highly beneficial for a person suffering from high cholesterol content. Consumption of statins might cause side effects like muscle tenderness, liver and intestinal disorder. Tenure of treatment and level of dosage are the primary factors influencing the degree of side effects after consumption of statins.

Nicotinic acid and its impact on reduction of cholesterol: Nicotinic acids are also first line high cholesterol medications. They belong to the genre of B-complex vitamins and can be acquired through some food items or drugs. It has definite impact of reduction of LDL content and elevation of HDL level in blood. Some common side effects associated with consumption of nicotinic acid are itching, rashes, flushing and mild headache.

Bile acid resins and control of cholesterol: Unabsorbed bile is one of the crucial factors behind elevation of cholesterol level in blood. Cholesterol is the chief ingredient of bile. Bile-acid resins target intestine and bind the bile inflow from liver. As a result, bile can not get reabsorbed in the circulatory system. Hence, level of cholesterol in blood remains under control. Popular bile-acid resins prescribed by doctors are Welchol and Questran. They help in depleting supply of cholesterol in body. Consumption of bile-acid resins for cholesterol control is not completely free from side-effects. Constipation and stomach disorders are commonly associated with bile-acid resin consumption.
Fabric acid derivatives and cholesterol content: Derivatives of fabric acid target triglycerides of human body. Triglycerides make a person with elevated cholesterol content more vulnerable towards heart diseases. Stored calories in body are crucial for formation of triglycerides. Fibrates or derivatives of fabric acid aim at reducing production of triglycerides in our body. Popular fibrates in this regard are Tricor, Atromid and Lopid. Fibrates high cholesterol medications push up HDL content and marginalize level of LDL. Nausea, stomach pain, vulnerability towards gall stone are some of the side effects observed after consumption of fibrates.

Along with high cholesterol medications, you need to follow a healthy life style and exercise regularly. They help in enhancing the impact of the above drugs.