How do medications for lowering cholesterol levels work?
June 9, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Jan Voigt
Dear Doctor,
recently, my primary care physician diagnosed me with elevated cholesterol levels. I am very concerned about my health and wondering how medications can help lower my cholesterol levels.
My current cholesterol level is 240 mg/dL, which, to my understanding, is above the recommended level of less than 200 mg/dL. I do not feel any health issues currently, but I am aware that high cholesterol levels can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, I am worried about the long-term effects and would like to take active steps to address this.
My primary care physician has already recommended a diet low in saturated fats and regular physical activity. However, I would like to learn more about the effects of medications for lowering my cholesterol levels. How exactly do these medications work in the body? What side effects can occur? Are there specific medications that are suitable for me, based on my current health condition and other medications I am taking?
I hope you can assist me with my questions and provide possible solutions on how I can successfully lower my cholesterol levels. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Gertrud Netz
Dear Mrs. Netz,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a doctor regarding medication. It is understandable that you are concerned about your elevated cholesterol levels and the potential impact on your health. I will try to answer all your questions comprehensively to give you a better understanding of the possible solutions.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that high cholesterol levels are a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. A cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL is indeed above the recommended value of less than 200 mg/dL. A healthy diet low in saturated fats and regular physical activity are important measures to lower cholesterol levels. However, in some cases, medication may also be necessary to further reduce cholesterol.
Cholesterol-lowering medications are usually part of a group called statins. These medications inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver and help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Additionally, statins may also have anti-inflammatory and vessel-protective properties. In addition to statins, there are other medications such as Ezetimibe, which can reduce the absorption of cholesterol from food in the intestines.
Regarding potential side effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs, it is important to know that statins are generally well-tolerated and most patients do not have issues with them. Occasionally, muscle pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, or liver enzyme elevations may occur. However, these side effects are usually rare and can be monitored through regular medical check-ups.
It is important to discuss your individual situation with your doctor to choose the appropriate medication for you. Your doctor will consider your current health status, other medications you are taking, and any potential risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. It is possible that a combination of diet, exercise, and medication may be the best solution for you.
I hope this information is helpful to you and encourages you to take action against your elevated cholesterol levels. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need assistance.
Sincerely,
Jan Voigt
