When your cholesterol level is high, or maybe you happen to be in danger of heart related illnesses, your doctor may perscribe a medicine to lower your cholesterol. There are many kinds of medications available, each kind with a different action.

Statins – These are the most often prescribed medication utilized to reduce cholesterol. Those who may have a chance of developing what is known as plaque inside the arteries, are often given this. The way it works is it inhibits the production of cholesterol by limiting the enzyme which is used by the liver to make it. This not merely shrinks the plaque that\’s already accumulating, it also slows the growth. This lowers the likelihood that the plaque could loosen up and come free from the arteries, which could cause a stroke or a cardiac event. Some risks for artherosclerosis are:

High cholesterol levels;

Diabetes;

A family history of early-age heart attack or cardiovascular illnesses;

Advancing age.

There are many statins that are commonly perscribed. These medications have several differences, including their cholesterol-blocking ability, their side-effects, the way they connect with other drugs, and their ability to reduce heart attack and stroke. Some common statins which are frequently perscribed include:

Atorvastatin (Lipitor);

Rosuvastatin (Crestor);

Fluvastatin (Lescol);

Simvastatin (Zocor);

Lovastatin (Mevacor);

Pravastatin (Pravachol).

Most side-effects of the statins are mild, like vomiting and nausea, but one major side-effect that\’s rare, is rhabdomyolysis, which could cause muscle damage and in the end kidney failure. Any muscle or pain experienced while taking a statin should be reported immediately to your doctor.

Resins – Resins are another cholesterol-lowering medication. They bind with cholesterol-containing bile acids in the intestines and tend to be then excreted. Resins actually reduce LDL cholesterol and are generally often perscribed with statins for a combined effect of lowered LDL cholesterol. Currently perscribed resins include:

Cholestyramine (Questran);

Colestipol (Colestid);

Colesevelam (WelChol).

Resins have few side-effects (gas, bloating, nausea and constipation); however, they might interfer with the absorption of other medications taken at the same time.

Resins have few side-effects (gas, bloating, nausea and constipation); however, they might interfer with the absorption of other medications taken at the same time.

Niacin;

Niacor;

Slo-Niacin.

Nicotinic acid interacts with medications, including hypertension medication, and your doctor should be consulted.

Gemfibrozil (Lopid) — Gemfibrozil reduces triglycerides and increases HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol, in the blood. It interacts with medications, such as Coumidin, that could lead to increased bleeding, and glyburide, which might cause low blood glucose. Probably the most serious, but rare, side-effect is rabdomyolysis, that could cause kidney failure. Your personal doctor needs to be consulted and also your current medications discussed before starting therapy on gemfibrozil.

Clofibrate (Atromid-S) — Clofibrate also acts by reducing Cholesterol levels levels; however, because of its many side-effects, it is usually perscribed only when all other strategies of reducing cholesterol are ineffective. All current medications, including over-the-counter drugs, need to be discussed together with your doctor before using clofibrate.

Ursodiol (Actigall, Urso) – Ursodiol is created by the liver and cuts down on the output of cholesterol by the liver and absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Side-effects are GI related, including nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation; and rash and lumbar pain. Other medications may interfer with its function, reducing its usefulness.

There are many more medications, including supplements and over-the-counter medications that can help in reducing levels of cholesterol. Before thinking about medications, discuss them with your personal doctor and allow your doctor know what medications you\’re taking already, to decide which may be best for you.

About the Author:

Finding a good dental practice in Solihull can suddenly become an emergency when toothache strikes. The pain of a poorly and infected tooth can be almost unbearable and it\’s at the point that they strike that many people decide to visit the dentist. Pain overcomes the fear of what a visit might involve and any concerns about cost.

These days costs need not be a barrier to visiting. Most dentists will offer an easy payment plan which spreads the cost. This works as an insurance that usually includes the cost of two visits to the surgery per year for a check up. They frequently also cover the cost of more expensive treatment. This encourages policy holders to visit the dentist more frequently than they otherwise would.

There are lots of good reasons for making regular visits to the surgery. Oral cancer is perhaps one of the most virulent forms of the disease. It sadly goes undiagnosed meaning the fatality rate is much higher than it need be. It\’s easily treatable if it is discovered early and the dentist is the first line of protection.

There has been shown to be a link between good heart and neurological health and sound oral health too. Heart disease frequently has poor oral health as a contributory factor, as too do strokes. Cardiovascular health can be improved by ensuring that teeth and gums are well looked after.

Frequent visits to the dentist can help prevent the need for more costly and possibly painful procedures. Extractions cannot be undone and dentists like to avoid them wherever possible. Anyone who has gone through root canal work will freely relate just how much they wish it could have been avoided. People who visit regularly have been shown to be less likely to have to undergo such procedures.

A dental practice in Solihull can help anyone achieve sound mouth health and avoid the need for costly interventions.

About the Author:
« Older PostsNewer Posts »