Most people realize that their cholesterol levels are an important part of their health, especially as they get older. High cholesterol can result in atherosclerosis, which can contribute to heart disease. Some people, especially those with other risk factors for heart disease can benefit from medications that lower their cholesterol levels, particularly a dangerous form known as LDL cholesterol.
Lipoproteins
Cholesterol is a lipid, which means that it does not travel well in the aqueous environment of the blood. As a result, cholesterol in the blood is found in lipoproteins, which are complexes made up of cholesterol, proteins and other lipids. The two main lipoproteins are low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein, also known as LDL and HDL, respectively. High levels of LDL are associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, because LDL molecules transport cholesterol away from the liver. HDL molecules work as cholesterol scavengers and can protect against atherosclerosis.
Medication Types
There are five main kinds of medications that can be used to treat high cholesterol, the Texas Heart Institute explains. The medications Zocor and Lipitor are examples of statins. The second kind known as bile acid sequestrants, include the drugs Colestid and Sequestran. Lopid and Tricor are known as fibrates. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors such as Zetia can also be used to treat high cholesterol. Finally, niacin supplements, such as Niacor and Nicolar are also used for the treatment of high cholesterol.
Mechanisms
Each type of cholesterol medication works in a different way. The statin medications inhibit your body's natural production of cholesterol, Health.com reports, and they may also reduce inflammation, which can help prevent atherosclerosis. Bile acid sequestrants, on the other hand, help deplete your body's reserves of bile, which contains cholesterol. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors make it harder for the body to absorb dietary cholesterol. Fibrate medications and niacin alter the way the body metabolizes fats and lipids.
Side Effects
There are certain side effects which are common among cholesterol medications. These include nausea, abdominal pain and changes in the bowel movements, the Mayo Clinic notes. In addition, statins can result in muscle pain, cramps and weakness. Niacin is notable for causing face and neck flushing, as well as an increased risk of high blood sugar and gout. Fibrates can also increase your risk of developing gallstones.
Effectiveness
According to the American Heart Association, statin medications are the drug of choice for treating high LDL levels. For patients who cannot tolerate statins or who need additional drugs to treat their cholesterol, bile acid sequestrants and niacin may also be prescribed. Although niacin can be purchased over-the-counter, prescription niacin is recommended because it contains nicotinic acid, which is better at lowering LDL levels than other niacin forms. Read OTC labels carefully to ensure that the supplement contains nicotinic acid, rather than niacinamide. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors may also be used to lower LDL levels. FIbrates, although good for improving your overall lipid profile, may actually increase your LDL levels, Health.com explains, and may not be the best choice if you have high LDL concentrations.
