To date, the cause of many diseases, including those that are fatal, are not some deadly infections, but the consequences of an incorrect lifestyle. So, one of the modern ills is high cholesterol, which often leads to heart attacks and strokes. Let's talk about ways to normalize this indicator.
How to lower blood cholesterol
Before considering ways to solve this problem, one must understand what an increased indicator of this substance means. The norm of cholesterol( another name - cholesterol) varies depending on age and sex. The indicator is higher for the body of men, but it also increases in women after 50 years. For the timely detection of excess rates, doctors recommend that all people after reaching the age of 20 every 5 years, take an analysis to determine the amount of cholesterol in the blood. If the patient is already at risk, this study should be carried out several times a year.
If in the human body the total concentration of the substance is equal to or exceeds 5.2 mmol / l, it is considered that it has elevated cholesterol and it is necessary to donate blood for a detailed study - a lipidogram. Such an analysis determines the ratio of cholesterol-lipoprotein fractions of different densities: VLDL, LDL and HDL.The results of this study show how much of the "bad" cholesterol in the blood that settles on the walls of the vessels and leads to atherosclerosis, and how much "good" that removes cholesterol plaques, and then oxidizes in the liver and is excreted by the body.
To bring the test results to normal, the first task is to restore the correct balance in the ratio of "bad" and "good" cholesterol. It should be understood that a set of measures will be required to normalize the level of this organic compound, but only the use of tablets without changing the mode of life will not bring the desired result. A patient who has such health problems needs:
- to regain weight;
- adhere to a healthy diet, reduce the consumption of sweets;
- be physically active;
- minimize the effects of stress.
Drugs to reduce cholesterol
To effectively combat this disease, doctors use several groups of drugs that are available in the form of tablets and other forms. Let's look at a brief description of these drugs, and then in detail we will talk about the most effective medicines.
| Drug group | Advantages of using | Disadvantages and possible side effects of |
| Statins | Such tablets are prescribed if you need to quickly and effectively reduce cholesterol in the blood. The result is noticeable after 2 weeks of taking, and long-term use is safe. | When using statins, you must periodically do an analysis for liver tests. Tablets can cause abdominal pain, nausea, muscle weakness, other side effects. |
| Fibrates | Increase the level of "good" cholesterol, reduce the risk of complications from the cardiovascular system. | Serious side effects when taking tablets together with statins. Often cause gastrointestinal upset. |
| Cholesterol absorption inhibitor | The drug prevents the absorption of the substance in the intestines, but does not enter the blood. Suitable for people who do not tolerate statins. | Costly tablets, the effectiveness of which is less pronounced compared with statins. |
| Nicotinic acid( other names - niacin, vitamin PP) | Positive effect in the form of lowering cholesterol, increasing its "good" component and improving blood microcirculation is visible after a few days of admission. | It is not sold in tablets, and it is impossible to inject for a long time. Do not reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. |
| Supplements | Drugs that have virtually no contraindications. Reduce the "bad" cholesterol and slightly increase the level of "good". | Most commonly used in addition to basic therapy. |
Statins
These drugs to reduce cholesterol - the most commonly prescribed, because quickly help to get rid of cholesterol. Also statins reduce the risks for blood vessels and heart, sometimes it is the only way to prevent such dangerous ailments as a heart attack or stroke. Such tablets against cholesterol act by blocking the liver enzyme, stimulating the production of this substance. They should be prescribed only by a doctor on the basis of a patient's examination and compatibility with other drugs. In this group of anticholesterol drugs, four generations of statins are distinguished.
| Generation of statins | Name | Which preparations contain | Note |
| I | Lovastatin | Cardiostatin, Holetar | Weakerly affect cholesterol than statins of the latest generation. |
| Simvastatin | Simcal, Vasilip | ||
| Pravastatin | Lipostat | ||
| II | Fluvastatin | Lescola Forte | The duration of the statine is increased. |
| III | Atorvastatin | Atoris, Liprinorm, Tulip, etc. | Balancing the ratio of "bad" and "good" cholesterol. |
| IV | Розувастатин | Роксера, Крестор, Розукард, Розулип | The tablets optimize the ratio of efficiency and safety. |
| Pitavastatin | Livazo |
Fibrates
Such medications affect lipid metabolism in the body, reducing the synthesis of fats. Still these tablets effectively increase the level of "good" HDL.Fibrates at the gene level alter the transport of cholesterol. Their positive effect on the vascular tone was noted, and these substances also have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The main representatives of fibrates are clofibrate, bezafibrate, gemfibrozil and fenofibrate. Often, in appointments of doctors, there are Trakor tablets containing fenofibrate, the newest and most effective drug in this group.
Additives
Adding such useful drugs to the diet is an alternative or addition to tablets from cholesterol. In fact, in biologically active additives, those substances from food that are naturally normalized in the ratio of lipoproteins in the body are collected in an effective concentration. So, if a person does not consume enough plant food, you can in addition to the diet use fiber tablets, which will slow down the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.
One of the most famous drugs, which are attributed to dietary supplements and whose effect is aimed at cleaning the vessels from cholesterol plaques are capsules of omega-3 fatty unsaturated acid. This product, derived from fish oil, is able to lower the level of triglycerides, which are necessary for the formation of "bad" cholesterol. This acid is useful for the cardiovascular system: it dilutes blood, which reduces the risk of blood clots.
How to lower cholesterol at home
A special diet and recipes for traditional medicine are tools that can be combined with tablets from cholesterol for faster results. The first treatment of a person who is diagnosed with such a violation should be eating. In the diet, it is necessary to increase the content of plant products and remove alcohol, fatty, smoked, salted. You need to load yourself with moderate physical activity. It is important to pay attention to the development of stress resistance, provide a full rest for the body, and do not forget about consultations with a doctor.
Video: Benefits and harm of statins
Reviews
Svetlana, 57 years old : My cholesterol index increased slightly with age. It's good that I found a competent specialist who did not immediately pester the pills, but helped to correct the way of life and additionally appointed homeopathy. Like trifles, and the tests have become better! My opinion is this: you have to work on your own, and not just sit on the tablets.
Andrew, 43 years old : After bad tests, I read the recommendations on the forums, tried a couple of folk remedies, and then consulted the doctor in detail. Carrying out his recommendations, he began to take one statin, then changed the drug to a cheaper analogue. I'm so comfortable - I drank a pill at night, and everything, let her work for herself! There were no side effects.