High cholesterol is a major concern in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 17 percent of American adults have high blood cholesterol. An excess of LDL cholesterol (low density lipoproteins), which transports triglycerides, or total cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease. HDL (high-density lipoproteins) cholesterol, or good cholesterol, helps in the removal of cholesterol from the body. Similar to high blood pressure, high cholesterol is symptom-less. The best control is an appropriate diet and medications. A variety of medications can be used depending on your specific risk factors or pre-existing medical conditions.
Statins
Statins are beneficial if you have diabetes. Statins help to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Common statins include lovastatin, rosuvastatin calcium and simvastatin. Side effects include abdominal pain, cramps, constipation and liver abnormalities. Major side effects are rare. They have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by 20 to 60 percent.
Fibrates
If triglycerides are a major concern, fibrates are best in lowering and also possibly increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Fibrates are not as effective in the management of high LDL levels. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, fibrates can reduce triglycerides by 20 to 50 percent and help increase good HDL cholesterol by 10 to 15 percent.
Resins
Resins bind to bile produced by your liver. Bile plays an important role in digestion. Cholesterol is made by bile. Since resins help your body produce more bile, it helps to reduce the cholesterol in your body. Resins are most effective in combination with statins. Resins in combination with statins may lower LDL-cholesterol by more than 40 percent. Alone, they lower cholesterol by 10 to 20 percent.
Niacin
Niacin functions by reducing the production of fat in the blood. It is used most often to help lower your triglycerides and LDL levels. Niacin therapy requires close monitoring, as it can be toxic to your liver. Care must also be taken when used by diabetics, as there is the potential of an increase in blood glucose levels. Niacin is found both as a prescription and as a dietary supplement. The two forms are not interchangeable. Dietary sources may have levels that are low or in excess of the recommended daily levels. Therefore, a health professional should be consulted prior to beginning any niacin regimens.
Other Considerations
Cholesterol is also affected by diet, weight, physical activity, genetics and age. Meats and cheeses are high in cholesterol and increase blood cholesterol levels. You should eat a healthy diet and have regular physical activity while on cholesterol medications.
