Included are drugs that block the work of the enzyme HGM-CoA, which is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol, in the liver. This class of drugs is quite numerous. It includes drugs in which the active ingredient is: atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, etc. Taking stools reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood by 25-30%, their reception should be long enough to reduce the risk of development atherosclerosis to a minimum.

Acceptance of these drugs is fraught with the appearance of side effects in the form of headache, tingling of the lower abdomen, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, rashes on the skin. They can not be taken by people suffering from chronic liver disease, as well as those women who are planning pregnancy and breastfeeding. Beds are contraindicated in pregnancy. In some cases, the reception of the beds provoked rhabdomyolysis - damage to the muscles of the skeleton. When taking staninov should not eat grapefruit or drink juice from them.

Enterosorbents

The action of the microemulsion begins only in the small intestine. Bile containing cholesterol is adsorbed by the microemulsion and is removed from the body along with feces. As a result, cholesterol does not enter the bloodstream and its level naturally decreases. Liver obesity also disappears, and the natural mechanism for controlling the amount of cholesterol produced is restored.

Activated carbon

Everyone knows that high cholesterol in the blood causes serious health problems. At the same time, not everyone knows that cholesterol is divided into “bad” and “good”. But it is the “good” cholesterol that is involved in many vital processes (the construction of cell membranes, the synthesis of hormones and bile acids). In contrast, an excess of “bad” cholesterol often becomes the main factor contributing to the development of cardiovascular pathologies. This is due to the fact that low-density lipoprotein (LDL), contribute to the formation of sclerotic plaques in the walls of blood vessels. Eliminate the risk factor help drugs to reduce cholesterol in the blood, which work against dangerous lipoproteins, and significantly reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

Atherosclerosis is a dangerous condition in which an excess of “bad” cholesterol has a damaging effect on blood vessels. If laboratory tests confirm a high level of lipids in the blood, it is necessary to immediately begin taking drugs that are aimed at neutralizing the threat and eliminating hypercholesterolemia. The fact that these drugs, what their composition and mechanism of action, will be discussed in this article.

Photo: Preparations for lowering blood cholesterol

Drugs designed to combat bad cholesterol are divided into several main groups:

1. Statins.(they are often mistakenly called beds). These are the most effective drugs for lowering cholesterol in the blood. The principle of their action is to prevent the synthesis of low density cholesterol (LDL), thereby reducing the risk of cholesterol plaque formation in the vessels and reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. Statins have a positive effect on lipid metabolism and increase the production of good high-density cholesterol (HDL), which does not harm the body.
2.   Drugs in this group rank second in popularity (after statins) and quite effectively contribute to lowering cholesterol levels. This is achieved by increasing the activity of a special enzyme (lipoprotein lipase), which is able to break down LDL (low density lipoprotein).
3. Sequestrants of bile acids.According to the chemical structure, preparations of this group belong to ion-exchange resins; they prevent the absorption of fats in the intestine. The action of drugs is aimed at binding bile acids and their excretion from the body. As a result, the process of developing new volumes of bile acids from cholesterol reserves is launched, which leads to a decrease in its concentration in the blood.
4. Nicotinic acid drugs. Actively reduce the concentration of low-density cholesterol, stimulate the breakdown of fats and reduce the risk of blood clots and atherosclerotic plaques. Nicotine preparations better than other lipid-lowering drugs increase the level of beneficial, high-density cholesterol in the blood.
5. Supplements to reduce cholesterol.Dietary supplements to reduce cholesterol are based on natural herbal ingredients, so they are harmless to health and do not cause unwanted side effects. Such alternative drugs are available in a wide range, but they, like other medicines, should be taken after prior consultation with a doctor.

Photo: Fast food - the reason for increasing cholesterol

Medical statistics show that in recent years the number of patients suffering from high cholesterol levels has increased significantly. This is largely due to the lifestyle of a modern person living in the era of consumption. The main reasons for the development of pathology are as follows:

• Hypodynamia, lack of physical activity, sedentary work and other factors that contribute to the fact that a person moves a little. Such a lifestyle significantly slows down the elimination of excess cholesterol from organism.
• Unbalanced nutrition, passion for fast food, flour, sweet and other harmful products. In the diet of the majority of the population is dominated by food with a high content of animal fats, sugars, carbohydrates. The use of trans fats, the wrong way of cooking (roasting) has a very negative effect on health and contributes to the development of "bad" cholesterol.
• Adherence to bad habits (alcohol, smoking) contributes to the deterioration of the blood vessels and leads to hypercholesterolemia.
• Genetic predisposition. The hereditary factor plays an important role in lipid metabolism disorders, and if parents suffered from atherosclerosis, the poor state of the blood vessels and the increase in cholesterol will most likely be observed in children.
• Chronic diseases. An increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood often causes associated diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, pathologies of the kidneys, liver, hypothyroidism).

The task of a specialist is to identify and eliminate the main cause contributing to the production of harmful cholesterol. The patient must undergo a comprehensive examination, according to the results of which the treatment will be prescribed. Let's find out what drugs are available to lower cholesterol in the blood, and which of them work most effectively.

The best drugs to lower cholesterol in the blood

We list the most popular means to fight cholesterol and tell about their advantages, disadvantages and how to take them correctly.

Statins

Statin preparations for lowering blood cholesterol must be prescribed to patients with hypercholesterolemia and concomitant diseases (diabetes, cardio, vascular and endocrine pathologies). Their reception effectively reduces the risk of such life-threatening conditions as:

1. stroke,
2. heart attack
3. angina and others

The principle of action of statins is based on the inhibition of the enzyme responsible for the production of cholesterol. Additionally, preparations of this group restore the damaged inner layer of blood vessels, especially at the initial stage of atherosclerosis. In addition, statins have a beneficial effect on blood properties, reduce its viscosity and prevent the formation of blood clots and sclerotic plaques.

The indications for the use of statin drugs are a significant increase in the level of “bad” cholesterol and a lack of efficacy from other methods of treatment. When taking these medicines, it is important to follow a diet that restricts fat intake. The doctor selects the dosage on an individual basis, taking into account possible contraindications, and statins have a lot of them.

The main restrictions for taking medications are as follows:

• individual intolerance;
• tendency to allergic reactions;
• pathology of the liver, kidneys;
• endocrine diseases;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Currently, the most effective drugs for lowering cholesterol in the blood are statins of the last generation.   They not only prevent the production of low-density lipoprotein, but also contribute to the production of beneficial cholesterol. The positive effect of their reception develops during the first month of treatment. Another advantage of the latest generation of drugs - the ability to take only 1 tablet per day (at night).

The first-generation drugs are considered obsolete, they are difficult to carry and cause many side effects, so now they are rarely prescribed. The list of such medicines includes drugs whose active ingredients are pravastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin. These are drugs such as:

• Lipostat;
• Cardiostatin;
• Simvacard

Statins for reducing cholesterol 2nd generation

The statins of the second generation are medicines, the active ingredient of which is fluvastatin. Drugs in this group:

1. Lescol;
2. Leskol Forte

Their use is also limited due to the high risk of side effects.

Third-generation drugs are much easier to carry and have fewer side effects. The basis of these statins is atorvastatin. It is included in the following popular tools:

• Liptonorm;
• Liprimar;
• Torvacard;
• Tulip.

Photo: Statins to lower 4th generation cholesterol

The fourth generation of statins, drugs for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, are new, effective and safe means, with minimal risk of side effects. To normalize cholesterol they are prescribed most often. Representatives of the newest drugs are:

• Roscard;
• Rosulip;
• Livazo;
• Crestor;
• Roxera.

The cost of the latest generation of statins is quite high. So, the average price for Livazo starts from 1000 rubles, Rosukard - from 800 rubles.

Patients should be aware that the independent use of statins is unacceptable, only the doctor can choose the right dosage of the drug, taking into account many factors (severity of symptoms, possible contraindications, weight and age of the patient). Before taking these medications, you must pass a comprehensive examination and determine the level of cholesterol in the blood. Violation of medical recommendations can cause serious side effects, including:

The abundance of possible side reactions makes it very cautious to approach the appointment of statins. Cholesterol levels that are too low can be just as harmful as they are high, as they can provoke nerve disorders, anemia or cataracts. Therefore, it is important to choose the correct dose and regimen of medication and monitor the patient's condition during treatment.

The preparations of this group are based on fibric acid derivatives, which at the gene level affects the transport of cholesterol and reduces the level of harmful lipoprotein by increasing the amount of “good”.

Fibrins have a moderate lipid-lowering effect, however, they are often used to treat patients with elevated cholesterol. The use of fibrates requires constant monitoring of the liver. In addition, drugs in this group increase the likelihood of gallstones, so they are not prescribed for cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.

In the domestic market, products from the fibrate group are represented by the following drugs:

• Traykor;
• Lipantil

The most effective of them is considered the drug Traykor, which is based on micronized fenofibrate. The average cost of the drug - 850 rubles. Lipantil is a more expensive counterpart of this tool, its price starts from 950 rubles.

Bile acid sequestrants

Drugs in this category reduce cholesterol by binding bile acids and turning them into compounds that are insoluble in water. But the body can not do without these substances and begins to get bile acids in another way, namely, extracting them from cholesterol. Due to this, it is possible to reduce the level of harmful lipoproteins in the blood.

Of the advantages of such funds can be called the absence of side effects and systemic effects on the body. But the effect of treatment comes only after a few weeks of regular use of drugs and the condition of the vessels does not improve. Of the minuses noted violation of the absorption of nutrients and vitamins.

Sequestrants have to be taken in high doses and washed down with large amounts of liquid, which can cause dysfunction of the digestive system, bloating, nausea, constipation or diarrhea. The most popular drugs in this group include:

Preparations for reducing blood cholesterol based on nicotinic acid

Nicotinic acid (niacin) belongs to the B vitamins. Preparations based on it prevent the penetration of fatty acids into the bloodstream and inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Nicotinic acid is recommended for use in patients, as this substance further reduces blood sugar levels.

However, to achieve a lipid-lowering effect, you need to take high doses of drugs (up to 3 g per day), which is fraught with the occurrence of such side effects as headache and stomach pain, sensation of heat and hot flashes, the development of fatty liver hepatosis.

To exclude the development of complications, nicotinic acid preparations are recommended to be taken simultaneously with hepatoprotectors and other B vitamins. In addition, tablets should not be taken on an empty stomach. The nicotine drugs include:

• Niceritrol;
• Atsipimoks

The average cost of medicines of this group is from 180 to 330 rubles. Nicotinic acid has a strong irritant effect on the walls of the stomach, therefore, with ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, these drugs should not be taken.

In most patients, at the beginning of treatment with drugs with nicotinic acid, facial flushing and a strong sensation of heat are noted, but over time these symptoms disappear. When taking medications you should observe a certain caution, in particular, not to combine the intake of tablets with hot drinks (especially with natural coffee).

Dietary supplements

Among dietary supplements designed to normalize cholesterol levels, products based on natural herbal ingredients are particularly popular. Among them, such time-tested developments as Ateroclefit, Anti-Choterol Alfalfa. They are composed of plant isoflavonods, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels and help reduce cholesterol levels.

The choice of dietary supplements designed to normalize lipid metabolism is quite extensive. We list the most popular tools:

This is not a complete list of such drugs, they are released from pharmacies freely, without a doctor's prescription. In addition, popular alternatives include drugs such as Holedol and Aterol.

Choledol. The therapeutic effect is based on the properties of squalene, which is obtained from the herb amaranth. Additionally, the composition of the dietary supplement is enriched with juice of wild garlic and blueberries, garlic extract, clover and stone oil. The drug actively cleanses the blood and lymph, helps to improve lipid metabolism, restores blood circulation and helps reduce cholesterol levels.

Holedol is produced in the form of a unique two-phase concentrate, which must be taken according to a special scheme. In the morning, the patient should drink a measuring spoon of the upper, oil phase, and in the evening use a certain dose of the mixed phase. According to reviews, the natural product is no side effects and quickly improves the condition, reducing blood viscosity, improving metabolism and starting the synthesis of "good" cholesterol.

A remedy for “bad” cholesterol that effectively cleans the blood and liver and promotes weight loss. Available in capsule form. Each of them contains a complex of probiotics, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which are involved in the development of beneficial cholesterol and the regulation of its concentration in the blood.

Additionally, the drug normalizes the digestive system, breaks down harmful compounds and removes them from the body. The extract of Jerusalem artichoke, included in the dietary supplement, suppresses putrefaction and fermentation processes in the intestine and reduces the intoxication of the body.

Taking the drug helps to clear blood vessels from cholesterol plaques, strengthens the immune system, promotes weight loss and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Get acquainted with.

The cost of alternative means is 990 rubles, they can be ordered on the manufacturer’s official website on the Internet.

Watch the video: Cholesterol-lowering drugs - statins

Very often we hear such a thing as bad cholesterol, and it is not always clear what is then useful and what it is. It is interesting to know that cholesterol is an important cell membrane substance that synthesizes certain hormones and vitamin D. Thanks to cholesterol, there is immunity and the liver functions, as well as the brain and nerve endings. The level of cholesterol must be monitored, because if it is elevated, then cholesterol plaques are formed, which can form blood clots. If cholesterol is elevated, then you need to take pills to lower cholesterol in the blood. Pick up the pill must be a doctor.

Statins like a panacea for bad cholesterol

The latest generations of drugs are able to fight harmful cholesterol. This generation of drugs is called statins. The second name for cholesterol is fatty alcohol. Therefore, when bad cholesterol is formed, you need to take medications that will help to produce the produced substance to normal. Before self-medication you need to consult with your doctor and pass tests. If the figures are above 5.3 mmol / l, then the doctor may prescribe a drug from the group of statins. A series of these drugs helps to avoid strokes and heart attacks, as well as reduce the risk of recurrent attacks.

The latest generation of statins, at the lowest possible dose, perfectly reduce high cholesterol levels. They perfectly suppress the enzyme that produces cholesterol, thereby solving the problem of reducing cholesterol. In addition, drugs of this generation perfectly reduce blood viscosity and improve its quality. Statins begin to fight harmful cholesterol even when it cannot be diagnosed, that is, in the very early stages.

The most popular cholesterol-lowering pills are:

It is important to know that the use of such drugs without the advice and appointment of a specialist is extremely prohibited. Lowering cholesterol tablets is allowed only if the diet and an active lifestyle did not help.

The doctor may prescribe treatment with the help of such tablets of the following category of people:

• people aged 40 and over;
• those with a predisposition to bad cholesterol;
• diabetic patients;
• people with ischemia of the heart;
• stroke survivors;
• patients who have had a heart attack.

Like any medication, statins, designed to lower cholesterol, have contraindications and side effects.

Contraindications include:

• allergic reaction to the components of the drug;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• hepatitis;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• female reproductive age.

Side effects:

• possible discomfort;
• sleep imbalance;
• weakening of smell and touch;
• muscle pains;
• allergic manifestations;
• loose stools;
• frequent urination;
• dizziness;
• nausea, vomiting;
• increased sweating.

Often, statins are prescribed in conjunction with beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and antiplatelet agents. Almost all studies have confirmed the safety of receiving these funds simultaneously. If the cholesterol level is more than 7.4 mmol / l, then the beds are combined together with fibrates.

How to combine medications, proportions and time of admission is determined only by a doctor, so in this case recommendations of friends, pharmacy employees and people with a similar disease do not resemble.

What about the statins say supporters and opponents

Opponents of such pills for cleaning vessels say that a number of their contraindications and side effects are dangerous for health. Their independent use, that is, without prescription, is extremely dangerous for life. Opponents also note the lack of effect in the elderly category of patients, as well as the extremely negative impact on the liver of such a negative phenomenon as the destruction of the body's muscle tissue. In addition, a small percentage of patients using medications have become ill with type 2 diabetes.

Proponents of the drug for cleaning blood vessels from cholesterol suggest that a reasonable prescription and proper combination with other drugs gives excellent results. The main thing is to comply with all rules of admission, regularly take blood tests and visit the attending physician.

It is important to know that an individual dosage regimen is developed for each patient to clean the blood from harmful substances. But even supporters of this medication say that you need to strive to maintain normal cholesterol levels without the use of medication.

Fibrates or febroic acid to help

Suppressing the production of LDL and triglycerides with increasing levels of good cholesterol is the main function of fibrates or febroic acid. The group of these drugs is inferior to statins, but is also actively prescribed by physicians to their patients. In addition to combating harmful cholesterol, fibrates can also be prescribed to those patients who suffer:

• high volume triglycerides;
• an imbalance of blood lipids caused by poor heredity, as well as an abnormal lifestyle;
• complication of diabetes caused by metabolic disorders.

The list of fibrates includes drugs such as:

• clofibrate;
• bezafibrate;
• fenofibrate;
• ciprofibrate;
• gemphobrosil

It is extremely important to know that fibrates are not combined with many drugs, so taking them without a doctor's prescription, as well as a prescribed regimen, is life threatening.

  The long-term period of use of drugs of this group, cleaning vessels, as well as verified schemes, can improve the quality of life and make the treatment safe. This is a big plus for drugs of this group. In addition, scientists all the time create a new generation of medicines that can improve the course of treatment. Fibrates are especially necessary for people suffering from diabetes, because their use can eliminate the risk of gangrene formation.

The disadvantages of fibrates are side effects that can manifest as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, and depression. Fenofibrate, which is on the list of drugs, is the latest development of scientists. It acts quickly, is effective and perfectly reduces the level of uric acid in the blood. The doctor, during the prescription of this lowering agent, takes into account the use of other drugs and monitors the body's response, as well as tests, which will need to be constantly taken in order to understand how effective the treatment is.

Such drugs can not be taken at a young age, it is worth to refuse their use to pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding, as well as to those patients who have been diagnosed with renal and hepatic failure.

Bile acid sequestrants

  Preparations of this group are also actively used to combat cholesterol, they work as ion exchange resins, and because bile acids are the result of the exchange reaction of cholesterol and fats, the concentration of these compounds in the blood decreases. These drugs are complementary to the therapy prescribed by the attending physician.

These drugs can be:

• colestyramine;
• wheels;
• colestipol.

Due to the fact that the drugs are not absorbed into the general bloodstream, the side effects of treatment will be minimal. Such drugs in emergency cases prescribed to adolescents, burdened women.

It is interesting to know that sequestrants combine with statins. At this point, the blood is cleared and excess fat is removed. In addition to statins, isolating sequestrants are prescribed along with folic acid, as well as other medications containing iron.

Like other drugs, these insulators have contraindications and side effects:

• heartburn;
• dispersion;
• bloating;
• diarrhea;
• disorder of digestive organs.

Rare side effects can be:

• muscle pain;
• cough;
• runny nose;
• sore throat.

These symptoms quickly pass, they also do not cause serious complications, but still people with hepatic and renal insufficiency, diseases of the digestive organs, as well as those who are prone to constipation, it is better to refuse to take these drugs.

Cholesterol absorbent drugs in the intestines

• lipobon;
• ezetrol;
• guar

Since these drugs inhibit the absorption of cholesterol into the blood, their return to the liver and release into the blood becomes much less.

The drugs of this group are safe, they are perfectly combined with drugs of other groups. An important advantage is the possibility of their use by those patients who have renal and hepatic failure. Drugs in this group are quite convenient to take, they perfectly save from high appetite and lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Before you start taking this medication, you need to switch to a special cholesterol-lowering diet. In addition, the diet is observed and while taking the drugs themselves. Side effects manifest as muscle pain, weakness, gastritis, and anemia.

Pregnant women, as well as women who breastfeed to take these drugs is contraindicated.

Nicotinic acid or niacin

Nicotinic acid also fights high cholesterol. Based on it developed a large number of drugs. In addition to lowering cholesterol, these drugs can fight the formation of blood clots.

The most popular drugs in this group are:

• niceritrol;
• acipimox;
• enduracin.

Side effects when using such drugs can be:

• violation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• heat in the upper body;
• allergic to components of the medication.

Despite the side effects, this acid is very often used in the treatment of diseases of the blood-forming organs. Dosage at the first use of acid is minimal. It begins to increase gradually. Only a long course of treatment gives a stable and positive result. The entire period of treatment should be carried out under the supervision of the attending physician.

Despite the fact that all of these drugs are the development of the last generation, they should be taken with great caution when there is an irregular heartbeat, gastritis, increased pressure, and digestive problems.

Diet while taking medication

Taking medication in any case is very important to combine with diet and separate meals. It is no secret to anyone that high cholesterol is found in obese people. Therefore, be sure to follow the daily routine and comply with the regime.

Exercise is also a must. After all, the more a person moves, the more oxygen the cells and tissues of the body receive. Often important are frequent walks, as well as exercises performed in the open air.

Proper lifestyle with high cholesterol includes quitting smoking and alcohol. It is also worth refusing to eat fatty foods, especially fatty meats, fatty dairy products, as well as spreads and margarines.

The diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is also very useful to have a lot of greenery. Basic calories should come from low-fat fish. Almonds, pistachios and olive oil also help to bring out excess cholesterol.

In addition to drug treatment, popular therapy may refuse. Excellent in the fight against fat can have juice from vegetables. It is vegetable juices with green juice that perfectly clean the vessels and bring the blood into a balanced form.

Decoctions of herbs help to improve not only the condition of the blood, but also the work of the digestive organs and bring the nervous system and hormones back to normal.

Do not forget that both in medical treatment and in traditional medicine, the main thing is to choose the means that will help in each individual case. After all, very often one medicine is suitable for one person and at the same time does not help another at all. So with folk remedies, you need to fit exactly what will help in a particular case.

During treatment, it is obligatory to regularly visit the doctor, as well as testing. It is the tests and well-being that will show how effective the selected medicine turned out to be.

Before taking medication, you need to carefully read the annotation. The study of dosage, indications for use, as well as contraindications is mandatory. In case of worsening of indications, as well as manifestations of side effects, you should seek help from a medical institution or immediately report symptoms to your doctor.

You should never change the dosage yourself or change the treatment regimen. Do not use drugs on the advice of people who have a similar disease. The course of treatment can be long, so you can not despair if at the very beginning of treatment does not give the desired result and does not cause immediate relief.