Most popular statin drugs – Most efficient drug in reducing the Cholesterol
Statins are the widely used drugs to reduce cholesterol levels. The increased rate of cholesterol problems and associated heart attack nowadays has made statins very popular. Statins have been known to reduce heart attacks in people with chronic cardiac disorder. Statins decrease cholesterol levels in patients with high cholesterol. They do so by controlling an enzyme of the liver which is responsible for generating cholesterol. Hence, the total amount of cholesterol manufactured in the body decreases. The most popular statin drugs are: Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, and Zocor.
The cholesterol that gets deposited on the walls of the artery walls is called plaque. The increased number and density of plaques in the artery walls causes heart attacks. Statins re-absorb the cholesterol deposits reducing the plaques and hence preventing heart attacks. The side-effects of statin depend upon the dosage being taken. Most common effect faced is muscle and joint ache. Other common adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting. When higher doses are taken then certain serious issues may arise. The dangerous effects are liver damage and muscle problems leading to kidney damage. To minimize the possible side-effects, consult your doctor and inform him about your medical history mainly about kidney and liver disorder. You alsoneed to tell him all the medication that you are currently on. Certain drugs can react with statins and increase their adverse effects making them dangerous. Statins should not be taken during pregnancy as they are harmful to the fetus.