Cholesterol is a kind of fat in your blood. Your body makes its own cholesterol but you also get it from the foods you eat like meat, potato chips, cookies, and eggs. Some people have too much cholesterol in their blood.
Cholesterol can build up on the inside of the blood vessels of your heart. If too much cholesterol builds up, then the blood cannot flow through to your heart. This can cause a heart attack.
Most people do not show any signs of high cholesterol. The only way to know for sure is to go to the doctor and ask for a cholesterol test.
If your doctor tells you that you have high cholesterol, there are things you can do to lower your cholesterol. You can make changes to your diet and exercise at least 30 minutes most days. There are also medicines you can take to help lower your cholesterol.
Did you know?
- High cholesterol can raise your chance of having heart attacks and heart disease.
- Women over age 20 should have their cholesterol checked by a doctor.
- Most people do not show any signs of having high cholesterol.
- Sometimes cholesterol can build up in your heart and cause chest pains.
- You can find out your cholesterol number by getting a simple blood test.
- Your total cholesterol number should be under
Medicines to Control Cholesterol
There are different kinds of medicines to control cholesterol.
- HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (also called Statins)
- Bile Acid Sequestrants
- Fibrates
- Niacin
- Combination Drugs
- Other Cholesterol Drugs
Warnings
- Do not use these medicines if you have liver disease.
- Do not use these medicines if you are pregnant or nursing.
- Use these medicines with caution if you are also taking Gemfibrozil, Amiodarone, Verapamil, or blood thinners (anticoagulants).
- People who use some HIV medicines, birth control pills (oral contraceptives), Nefazodone, and niacin should talk to their doctor about the specific risks of using Statins.
- Drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice everyday may affect these “Statin” medicines.
Common Side Effects
- Gas
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
