If you have high cholesterol in the blood and there is a threat of cardiovascular disease, the use of special drugs. Statins for reducing cholesterol are used universally, and the effect of these drugs is confirmed by both research and long-term practice of application.
Are statin drugs safe for lowering cholesterol?
To reduce cholesterol in the blood used two types of drugs - statins and fibrates. The scheme of their actions is approximately the same. These drugs block the synthesis of enzymes responsible for the production of cholesterol by the liver. Thus, their blood level can be reduced by 50% and in some cases even more. Since there is no reason to doubt the effectiveness of statins, let's look at how safe these medicines are and whether their use is justified.
Decreased cholesterol levels using statins are indicated for such groups of individuals:
- patients of advanced age;
- women after the onset of menopause;
- people who have had a heart attack ;
- patients after carrying out any operations on the heart and large vessels
- those who have not been helped by other ways to normalize cholesterol (diet, rejection of bad habits, etc.).
These are the cases when it is not only possible to apply statins, but also vitally necessary. It should be noted that these drugs do not have a cumulative effect, so after stopping their intake, the cholesterol level will rise again to the original level. In general, these substances can be considered safe, the side effects of taking statins do not pose a big threat to health.
List of Statin Drugs for Cholesterol Reduction
The names of statins for reducing cholesterol may be different, but the principle of action for all drugs is the same. Only their degree of efficacy and patient tolerability differ. Here are the best modern statins for lowering cholesterol:
- Rosuvastine;
- Atorvastatin;
- Simvastatin;
- Fluvastatin;
- Lovastatin.
The most effective of these substances is rosuvastine. It allows you to lower cholesterol by 55% or more. However, there are many contraindications to this medicine. First of all, it can not be used by women before the onset of menopause, as a strong hormonal imbalance can develop.
Atorvastatin also treats statins to reduce cholesterol with a fairly strong effect, its rates are 45% or higher. There are few side effects here, atorvastatin is quite safe and therefore is prescribed by doctors most often.
Lovastatin has the lowest efficiency and, nevertheless, allows to lower cholesterol by 25%.
Before starting treatment with statins, we recommend that you check with your doctor whether there are really other ways to influence your cholesterol level. This is especially true for patients with diabetes mellitus - the treatment with statins in this category of people has practically not shown any positive results.
After you determine the type of statin, which suits you more than others, you can proceed with the choice of the drug itself for treatment. Here are the medicines, which contain atorvastatin:
- Atoris;
- Atomax;
- Tulip;
- Liprimar;
- Torquard.
Rosuvastine is found in such preparations:
- The Cross;
- Akorta;
- Rosewood;
- Tevastor;
- Mertenil.
Levastatin acts as an active substance in medicines Cardiostatin and Cholletar.
Simvastatin is a part of the tablets:
- Sinquard;
- Symvor;
- Zocor;
- Vazilip;
- Ovenkor.
Note that the most common side effects in statin therapy are insomnia and increased irritability. If you decide to use a statin, the doctor should choose the specific active substance, carefully examining your card and the medical history. This minimizes the risk of complications.