Let's learn about the medicine that lowers your 'bad' cholesterol (LDL Cholesterol)?

When your doctor tells you that your blood cholesterol level is high, the first thing you should do is change your diet and lifestyle. That means reducing saturated fat, completely eliminating trans fat, cutting back on sugar, and getting regular exercise. If you do these things, but your "bad" cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol , doesn't drop as low as you need, your doctor will likely tell you to start taking medication. But remember, even if you take medication, you still need to continue the good habits you mentioned earlier.

Now let's look at what medications doctors prescribe to lower LDL cholesterol and how they work.

Main types of cholesterol-lowering medications

There are several types of medications that are prescribed to lower cholesterol. Let's talk about each one separately.

Statins

These are the first medications that doctors are most likely to prescribe to people with high cholesterol. These medications primarily lower your bad (LDL) cholesterol. They also help lower triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood, and slightly increase your "good" (HDL) cholesterol levels.

Examples of statin drugs:

• Atorvastatin (Atorvaliq, Lipitor)
• Fluvastatin (Lescol)
• Lovastatin
• Pitavastatin (Livalo)
• Pravastatin (Pravachol)
• Rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor)
• Simvastatin (Zocor)

Side Effects: Some people may experience gastrointestinal problems (such as stomach cramps and bloating), liver damage (very rare), and muscle inflammation. There may also be a small increase in the risk of high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. However, the FDA says the benefits of this medication outweigh the risks.

Most importantly: If you are taking statin medications, avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice altogether, as grapefruit can make it harder for your body to absorb these medications.

Medicines that work in the intestines

These medications can be divided into two main categories.

1. Bile Acid Resins

These medications work inside your intestines. Simply put, they bind to bile, which is secreted by the liver, and prevent it from being reabsorbed into the blood. Bile is made up mostly of cholesterol. So this process reduces the amount of cholesterol in the body.

• Examples: Cholestyramine (Prevalite), Colesevelam (WelChol), Colestipol (Colestid)
• Side effects: Constipation, bloating, and stomach upset are the most common.

2. Ezetimibe (Zetia)

This is a different type of medication. Ezetimibe works by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in your small intestine. It is usually given in combination with a statin. It has been found that in people who have had a heart attack, taking this medication with a statin can slightly reduce the risk of another heart attack.

• Side effects: Muscle pain, back pain, diarrhea, and stomach pain may occur.

Other cholesterol-lowering medications

In addition to the medications mentioned above, we will also be aware of several other medications used in special situations.

A word about Omega-3s

Some people think that fish oil supplements can reduce the risk of heart disease. But there is no clear evidence for this. However, prescription -strength omega-3 supplements can lower triglyceride levels. So, don't just buy fish oil capsules from the pharmacy and take them on your own. Talk to your doctor about it.

Be careful of these things when using medication

When taking cholesterol medication, it is extremely important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you don't take it correctly, you won't get the full benefit of the medication.

• Know exactly what you are taking the medicine for. Have a clear understanding of your condition and how the medicine works.
• Take your medicine at the same time every day. Make this a habit.
• Do not stop taking your medication or change the dosage without talking to your doctor. Even if you feel better now, take your medication as directed until your doctor tells you to.
• Create a schedule for taking your medication. It's easy to use a pillbox marked with the days of the week. Fill it up at the beginning of the week.
• If cost is an issue, talk to your doctor. Don't reduce your dosage to save money. Doing so will not yield any results.
• Do not use any other over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies without first checking with your doctor. Some things can interact with your cholesterol medication.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at the next scheduled time. Ask your doctor about this in advance.
• When traveling, keep your medications on hand. If you are traveling for several days, take at least a week's worth of medications and a copy of the prescription.
• Before undergoing surgery under anesthesia, such as tooth extraction, tell the doctor about the medications you are taking.
• Ask your doctor about drinking alcohol. Alcohol can increase the side effects of some medications and reduce their effectiveness.
• If you have difficulty understanding what the doctor is saying, take a trusted friend or family member with you.