Cholesterol is an important part of the body because it is an integral part of the membranes that surround cells. Cholesterol in the blood, however, can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition in which cholesterol builds up in the walls of the arteries, making them rigid and narrow. Treatment of atherosclerosis often depends on the use of cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins.
Definition
Statins are a commonly prescribed prescription medication for the lowering of cholesterol. A 2001 review published in the "Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine," Vol. 5, No. 4, explains that statins work by making it harder for the liver to make cholesterol. They do this by blocking the action of a protein called HMG-coA reductase, which is a key part of the cholesterol synthesis pathway. By making it harder for the body to make new cholesterol, statins can help lower blood cholesterol levels.
Types
The "Consumer Reports" Health website notes that different kinds of statin drugs are good for different patients. For example, lovastatin and pravastatin are good options for patients who do not need a severe (greater than 30 percent) reduction in their LDL "bad cholesterol" levels. Simvastatin is used for patients who desire a greater than 30 percent drop in LDL cholesterol or who have a history of heart problems. "Consumer Reports" notes that atorvastatin is the most effective statin medication available in early 2010 but is also more expensive.
Administration
The InteliHealth website notes that statin drugs are available in pill form and are very effective when taken orally. This means that patients taking statins typically need to take their medication only once per day (unless it is divided into multiple doses). Most patients are given the lowest dose of statin medication that is still effective at lowering LDL choelsterol levels, which helps minimize side effects.
Side Effects
InteliHealth notes that most of the side effects from taking statins are fairly mild. Some patients experience digestive problems and have bowel irregularities (such as constipation or diarrhea) as well as mild abdominal pain. However, statins can also be toxic to the liver, which can make them dangerous for patients with liver damage. Statins can also cause muscle pain and inflammation, a condition known as myositis.
Other Effects
According to Intelihealth, statins can also be useful for the prevention of heart disease for people with normal cholesterol levels. For one thing, statins may be able to help reduce atherosclerosis, which can ease the strain on the heart and lower blood pressure. As a result, Intelihealth notes, statins can be used to prevent the effects of atherosclerosis, which means that they can be used for patients with a history of strokes or heart disease regardless of their cholesterol levels.
