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Cholesterol treatment treatment is a change in lifestyle. Reducing consumption of foods containing cholesterol and saturated fat is essential to lower blood cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels can also be reduced with drugs, usually with inhibitors called “statins”
Herbs : the herbal tea is claimed to help lower LDL and triglyceride levels while increasing the HDL levels. It is believed to help dissolving cholesterol (which is not water soluble) by bounding it with lipoprotein. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (see disclaimer at bottom of page). Diet : (Guidelines by the National Cholesterol Education Program) are: Higher triglycerides need a diet that is higher in monounsaturated fat and lower in carbohydrates, like simple sugars. A source of monounsaturated fat is olive oil. Cholesterol symptoms Activity: Exercise has little effect on LDL but HDL and triglyceride levels will benefit from it. People who exercise and control their diet are more successful in lifestyle changes that improve their heart risk profile. Medical Treatment: Statins: Statins lower LDL cholesterol levels more than other types of drugs. Statins slows down the production of cholesterol and increases the liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol. Statins lowers LDL cholesterol levels by 20-60%. It also reduces high triglyceride levels and increase HDL cholesterol modestly. Serious side effects are rare (liver problems, muscle soreness, pain, weakness and brown urine). Sometimes people experience upset stomach, gas, constipation, and abdominal pain or cramps. Rarely, widespread muscle breakdown can occur (rhabdomyolysis). This is a medical emergency. If you have muscle pain and weakness, or brown urine, contact your doctor immediately and stop taking the medication. Statin drugs include the following: Atorvastatin (Lipitor): Atorvastatin is a highly effective drug in lowering LDL cholesterol. Fluvastatin (Lescol): Fluvastatin is the least potent statin drug. Lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor): Lovastatin was the first statin to be approved by the FDA. Pravastatin (Pravachol): Pravastatin is the most studied statin. Simvastatin (Zocor): Simvastatin reduces LDL concentrations. Rosuvastatin (Crestor): Rosuvastatin is the newest statin approved by the FDA and is the most potent. Bile acid sequestrates: These drugs bind with bile acids in the intestines and are eliminated in the stool. It lowers LDL cholesterol by about 10-20%. Cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid), and colesevelam (WelChol) are the 3 main bile acid sequestrates. They are not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and long-term use is safe. Side effects may include constipation, bloating, nausea, and gas. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: It inhibits cholesterol absorption in the gut and has few side effects like tongue swelling (angioedema). Ezetimibe (Zetia): Ezetimibe reduces LDL cholesterol by 18-20%. Nicotinic acid or niacin: Nicotinic acid lowers total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (10-20%), and triglyceride levels (20-50%), while raising HDL cholesterol levels (15-35%). There are 2 types of nicotinic acid, immediate release and extended release. A common side effect of nicotinic acid is flushing or hot flashes, which are the result of blood vessels opening wide. Other side effects include nausea, indigestion, gas, vomiting, diarrhea and the activation of peptic ulcers with major adverse effects which includes liver problems, gout, and high blood sugar. Fibrates: It lowers triglycerides and increases HDL cholesterol levels.
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