Statins Against Atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease Drugs
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) include:
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol)
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Lovastatin (Mevacor)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
How Do These Drugs Work?
Statins are a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs that inhibit the enzyme called hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), which is involved in the manufacturing of cholesterol in the liver. They also reduce arterial inflammation associated with atherosclerosis.
What Are The Benefits?
- LDL cholesterol reduced 18 to 55 percent
- HDL cholesterol increased 5 to 15 percent
- Triglycerides reduced 7 to 30 percent
There is a decreased risk of dying when statins are given in the hospital after a heart attack, and a reduction in the long-term death rate. These medications have also been shown to reduce inflammation.
Potential Side Effects?
The most common side effects are headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, rash, weakness, muscle and joint pain, and increased liver enzymes. The most serious (but fortunately rare) side effects are liver failure and rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect in which there is damage to muscles. Statins should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers.
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