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Statins to Reduce Cholesterol

Apr 5, 2011 | By Wildwater Wolf

Statins are prescription medications that can help lower cholesterol by blocking an enzyme in the liver that your body needs to manufacture natural cholesterol. Statins are prescribed to reduce low-density lipoproteins -- LDL, or "bad," cholesterol -- and to raise high-density lipoproteins -- HDL, or "good," cholesterol. If your LDL cholesterol is high, your doctor will recommend a healthy diet and exercise, and may prescribe statins. In addition to restricting cholesterol production, statins decrease the amount of total cholesterol in the blood. They can also impede the build-up of plaque in your arteries.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance that is naturally produced by the body. Your liver makes about 80 percent of your cholesterol, and the rest comes from meat, poultry, fish and dairy products in your diet. Foods derived from plants do not contain cholesterol. Your body needs cholesterol to create hormones, cell membranes, vitamin D and substances the aid in digestion, but excess cholesterol from food can cause health problems.

Understanding Statins

Statins are drugs prescribed to lower the cholesterol levels of people who have high cholesterol and are at risk for heart attack or stroke. Statins block a substance your body requires to make cholesterol. These drugs help your body reabsorb the cholesterol that builds up in the plaque attached to your artery walls and prevent further blockage in your blood vessels.

When Statins Are Needed

Whether you need a statin drug depends on your cholesterol level as well as your other risks for stroke or heart disease. If your only risk factor is high cholesterol, you may not need statins because your risk of cardiovascular disease might be average or low. After your doctor determines your cholesterol levels, she may ask if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease. Your doctor will examine you to see if you have high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease or diabetes, are unhealthy or overweight, or if you lead a sedentary lifestyle. If you have been eating a healthy, low fat diet, getting exercise and following your doctor's recommendation and your low-density lipoprotein cholesterol stays high, you might be a good candidate for statins. Statins reduce bad cholesterol, but the type or dose of statin varies from person to person, so only use the statin drug prescribed for you.

Side Effects and Risks

Statins are well-tolerated by most people, but they do have side effects, such as the less serious joint aches, nausea, constipation and diarrhea, tiredness, bloating, leg pain and abdominal pain. Rare, but more serious side effects include an increase in liver enzymes leading to liver damage, and serious muscle problems, pain and tenderness. Statins may not interact well with certain other medications, so tell your health practitioner about any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs or supplements you are taking. Some people may find that the more cholesterol levels drop in response to taking statins, the more likely they are to experience a reduction in sexual pleasure and ability to have orgasms. Some medical professionals warn that once you begin to take a statin, you will probably be on it for the rest of your life. If you experience side effects or discomfort, talk to your doctor about decreasing your dose or trying another type or brand of statin. Do not stop taking your statin drug without first consulting with your doctor.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: Apr 5, 2011

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