Cholesterol is a waxy compound that is important for making cell membranes, bile salts and steroid hormones. High levels of cholesterol, on the other hand, can increase your risk of developing a heart attack or a stroke. There are many medications that can be prescribed to treat high cholesterol, including the statin class of medications.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels can lead to a condition known as atherosclerosis. With atherosclerosis, cholesterol becomes deposited in the walls of the arteries to form structures known as atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques narrow the arteries and also make the arterial walls less pliable, which raises blood pressure and can restrict blood flow. Although high total cholesterol levels can cause atherosclerosis, high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as LDL cholesterol, are more directly linked with atherosclerosis. Another form of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, can actually protect you against atherosclerosis.
Statin Mechanism
Statins are one of the more potent cholesterol-lowering medications. Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme known as HMG CoA reductase, which is found in the liver, Purdue University explains. This enzyme is crucial for synthesizing cholesterol. The liver makes cholesterol in order to produce bile acids and other compounds, and statins keep this from happening. By shutting down the synthesis of cholesterol by the liver, statins, such as atorvastatin and lovastatin, can reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood stream.
Effects
Statins are one of the more commonly prescribed medications for high cholesterol levels. Statins are able to lower your LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels while simultaneously increasing your levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol, the Mayo Clinic states. There is some evidence that statins may also help remove already existing atherosclerotic plaques. The dose of statins prescribed will vary depending on how high your LDL cholesterol levels are and can range from 5 to 80 mg per day.
Considerations
Statins are not right for all patients with high cholesterol levels. Some patients experience nausea, diarrhea/constipation or muscle aches when they take statins. More serious side effects include liver damage and a condition known as rhabdomyalysis, in which muscle fibers break down and release the protein myoglobin into the bloodstream. Some medications, such as niacin, cyclosporine, antifungal drugs, gemfibrozil and erythromycin can increase your risk of developing rhabdomyalysis, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before taking statins.
