Before recommending any pharmaceutical treatments to help cholesterol reducing, your physician will suggest a diet and lifestyle change. Usually, through changing what you eat coupled with regular exercise, you can lower your cholesterol level in a matter of months. Proper diet and exercise has been shown to be the most effective way to cholesterol reducing.

However, if this regimen doesn’t work after a few months, your physician may switch over to other medical treatments. Research has shown that medication can decrease cholesterol levels.

If your physician suggests medication to lower your cholesterol, be sure that you get all the information about it. Make sure you understand how the medication will affect your body. Also, make sure you are aware of any possible side effects and risks to your organs such as your liver.

Statins

Statins are used to decrease Low Density Lipoproteins. They can also decrease the risk of heart disease and also contribute to lowering triglyceride levels. Statins increase the liver’s ability to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. It takes a few weeks to see changes in your cholesterol level.

The downside is the possibility of side effects, that include digestive problems and/or liver problems.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Bile Acid Sequestrants can decrease Low Density Lipoproteins by at least 20 percent. This drug, mixed with bile acids in the intestines are eliminated in the stool. For more effectiveness, bile acid sequestrants are mixed with satins to double the efficiency of lowering cholesterol levels. This particular drug has to be taken with water or fruit juice and taken at least twice daily with meals. It is strongly recommended that this drug is not combined with other medications, or it won’t be as effective.

Nicontinic Acid

This water-soluble vitamin is also know as Niacin. While Nicontinic Acid decreases triglycerides and cholesterol levels overall, it also increases High Density Lipoproteins. It has also been known to decrease Low Density Lipoproteins by 20 percent. You must be under a physician’s care to take this medication. If not taken properly, you can experience severe side effects that include hot flashes and digestive problems. It is recommended that Nicontinic Acid be taken with meals in order to try to prevent those side effects. This drug is not recommended if you are a diabetic; it can have an adverse effect on your blood sugar.

Fibrates

Fibrates increase High Density Lipoproteins and decrease triglyceride levels. This drug is used in heart patients moreso than for high cholesterol. Gemfibrozil is very effective in decreasing triglyceride levels. Fibrates should be taken in the morning and evening, at least 30 minutes prior to meals. If you are taking blood thinners, your physician will want to monitor you because fibrates can increase their effect. You may experience side effects such as stomach ailments or gallstones.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

This is a hormone therapy used to treat menopause symptoms and other effects caused by it. Hormone therapy is treated with estrogen, or a combined with another hormone called progestin. When using hormone replacement therapy, it decreases bad cholesterol levels. It is recommended that hormone replacement therapy not be used in the prevention of heart disease. Before choosing this treatment, consult with your physician to see what’s best for you.

Even though you are taking medication for your cholesterol, it is best to:

• Have a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables
• Eat foods that have little or no sodium, low-fat and low in cholesterol
• Exercise four to five times a week for at least 30 minutes

By following these steps, you can be on your way to healthy, low cholesterol lifestyle.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 16th, 2007 at 12:06 am and is filed under Cholesterol Reducing Medications. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.