The consequences of having "bad cholesterol" are particularly sobering when you examine the health statistics related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statistics complied by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) attest that "CVD caused 864,000 deaths---35 percent of all deaths" in 2005. Although a decline has been seen in the past decade, it is still the number one killer of Americans.
What Is Lipitor?
Different types of "statins" are drugs used to improve cholesterol. Lipitor, a brand name for atorvastatin calcium, is a cholesterol-lowering drug. According to the manufacturer, Pfizer: "Lipitor is clinically proven to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, certain kinds of heart surgeries, and chest pain in patients with several common risk factors for heart disease."
Positive Effects
Improving your cholesterol numbers can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke. Depending on the dosage and your physiology, Lipitor has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 39 to 60 percent and fatty triglycerides by 19 to 37 percent, while raising good cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), by 5 to 9 percent, reports Pfizer. These results happen in combination with good diet and exercise, so some of the improvement is likely related to lifestyle change.
Potential Side Effects & Warnings
Reported side effects from Lipitor include muscle pain and weakness, dark-colored urine, flu-like symptoms and stomach upset. Also watch for allergic reaction such as hives, swelling and itching. The atorvastatin Lipitor must be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, because of the potential to cause birth defects and to harm your infant. Alcohol can counteract the effects of Lipitor, so it should be avoided.
