What drugs lower blood cholesterol levels? The best drugs to lower blood cholesterol levels

If your body has high cholesterol levels, you need to take measures to reduce it. Exists great amount medications that affect lipid metabolism and the formation of low-density fats.

In most cases, doctors prescribe tablets from the group of statins or fibrates. These are the most effective and, moreover, proven remedies over the years. Their use is recommended when other methods, such as exercise, diet, weight loss, have not given good results.

Review from our reader Victoria Mirnova

I’m not used to trusting any information, but I decided to check and ordered a package. I noticed changes within a week: constant pain in my heart, heaviness, pressure surges that tormented me before receded, and after 2 weeks disappeared completely. Try it too, and if anyone is interested, below is the link to the article.

Most of them can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription. Despite this, you should not self-medicate; only a doctor can prescribe good and suitable means and describe the scheme for their reception.

Statins

Drugs of the statin group are most often prescribed to lower blood cholesterol. Main principle The action of these drugs is to reduce cholesterol levels by suppressing its formation. That is, they block the production of enzymes necessary for the formation of lipid fats.

Features of application

Contraindications to taking statins:

  1. Exacerbations of liver diseases.
  2. Myopathy.
  3. Children under 18 years of age.
  4. Pregnancy and lactation.
  5. Individual intolerance.

Side effects appear as:

  • seizures;
  • gastrointestinal disorders;
  • headache;
  • visual impairment;
  • renal failure;
  • allergic and immunopathological reactions.

Taking statins together with certain medications is prohibited due to the risk of developing inflammatory processes in the muscles. List of these funds:

  1. Group of fibrates.
  2. Cyclosporine.
  3. Antibiotics of the macrolide group.
  4. Aerosol antimycotic agents.

Also, to prevent changes in muscle fibers, doctors recommend eating right, not feeling hungry, and giving up alcohol and drinking grapefruit.

Types of drugs

IN currently There are several generations of statins with different active ingredients. You need to have an idea of ​​their differences and features in order to choose the most suitable product:


Fibrates

Fibrates are a separate class of drugs that help normalize cholesterol levels in the blood, correcting the production and metabolism of fats in the human body. Sometimes they are prescribed together with statins, but competent doctors avoid this mistake.

What are the contraindications:


Side effects are rare:

  • dizziness;
  • headache;
  • drowsiness;
  • malfunctions digestive system;
  • leukopenia;
  • anemia;
  • alopecia;
  • allergic reactions.

The most commonly prescribed drugs are:

Other pills for high blood cholesterol

Despite the fact that statins and fibrates are effective drugs, sometimes there is a need to take tablets from other groups that are also aimed at lowering cholesterol if you have high cholesterol. Indeed, experts have noticed that only complex treatment allows you to achieve a stable result in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

When the vessels are narrowed, active sedimentation of fats on their walls begins, therefore, nicotinic acid helps very well against high cholesterol, promoting the dilation of blood vessels.

Nicotinic acid is essentially a B vitamin, as are its derivatives:


These tablets reduce the production of low-density cholesterol and also prevent the formation of blood clots and atherosclerotic plaques. Their use is contraindicated in peptic ulcers stomach and duodenum, gastritis and high acidity. The dosage is selected individually, 50-100 mg twice a day, treatment duration is two weeks. Side effects manifest themselves in the form of hyperemia, burning of the face, and dizziness. If taken for too long, fatty liver may develop.

Probucol

Probucol is a lipid-lowering and antioxidant tablet that affects cholesterol. Their action is aimed at suppressing the synthesis of cholesterol in the body, the absorption of dietary fats and their removal from the body. Analogues of Proburcol: Fenbutol, Superlipid, Lesterol.

These drugs are used in long courses of 3-4 months to achieve a stable result, after which it is necessary to take a break for 3 weeks. During treatment, take 0.5 g orally twice a day. The effect will be more noticeable if the tablets are taken during meals with the addition of vegetable oil.

Contraindications:


Take with caution when:

  • liver and kidney diseases;
  • cholecystitis;
  • bradycardia;
  • lack of magnesium and potassium in the body.

Side effects are extremely rare and can be expressed as:

  • mild dizziness;
  • headaches;
  • tachycardia;
  • anemia;
  • eosinophilia;
  • diarrhea;
  • vomiting;
  • flatulence.

Alisat is a cheap and effective drug containing garlic. These tablets have a wide spectrum of action:


Garlic tablets have a prolonged effect, unlike other products with similar composition. The duration of treatment is 3 months, daily you need to take 1 tablet orally 2 times a day.

Side effects can manifest themselves in the form of gastrointestinal disorders and allergic reactions. Can be used in childhood and pregnancy, but only on the recommendation of the attending physician. You should refuse to take it if:

  • cholecystitis;
  • kidney diseases;
  • allergies to garlic;
  • bleeding;
  • lactation.

Any cholesterol pills should be prescribed by the attending physician, based on the tests and the patient’s condition. When prescribing drugs, the specialist must warn that the therapy medicines must be accompanied by diet and physical therapy, otherwise it will be impossible to achieve positive result.

Do you still think that it is completely impossible to RESTORE blood vessels and the BODY!?

Have you ever tried to restore the functioning of your heart, brain or other organs after suffering pathologies and injuries? Judging by the fact that you are reading this article, you know firsthand what it is:

  • often occur discomfort in the head area (pain, dizziness)?
  • You may suddenly feel weak and tired...
  • is constantly felt high blood pressure
  • about shortness of breath after the slightest physical stress and there is nothing to say...

Did you know that all these symptoms indicate INCREASED CHOLESTEROL levels in your body? And all that is necessary is to bring cholesterol back to normal. Now answer the question: are you satisfied with this? Can ALL THESE SYMPTOMS be tolerated? How much time have you already spent on ineffective treatment? After all, sooner or later the SITUATION WILL GET WORSE.

That's right - it's time to start putting an end to this problem! Do you agree? That's why we decided to publish exclusive interview with the head of the Institute of Cardiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia - Renat Suleymanovich Akchurin, in which he revealed the secret of TREATING high cholesterol.

When taking medications to lower blood cholesterol, you need to follow a low-carbohydrate diet, eliminate tobacco and alcohol, and be active. healthy image life. For a positive result when you need to reduce the amount of cholesterol, you must remember that this is only possible with joint the right approach to the problem that has arisen. There are several classes of medications that have proven effective in this area. If you need to use them, be sure to consult your doctor and he will prescribe the optimal one. individual course therapy. Medicines for high cholesterol are divided into several types.

Available in pharmacy chain wide range medications to lower blood cholesterol different effectiveness and affordability.

Statins as drugs that lower blood cholesterol

Effective cholesterol-lowering agents. The most modern developments latest generation drugs are based on rosuvastine. It causes the breakdown of harmful compounds, which are called atherosclerotic plaques, which, settling on the walls of blood vessels, lead to irreparable pathologies. The price in pharmacies for such medications will be higher compared to older releases of medications, but this is justified. Cleaning the drug is aimed at increasing LDL level: the amount of HDL increases, resulting in a reduced risk of atherosclerosis. There is an active breakdown of triglycerides, which preserve the fat reserves of the cells.

The drug has a suppressive effect on the biosynthesis of low-density lipoproteins. The active functions of CoA reductase are effectively reduced. Promotes the absorption of “processed” lipoproteins by the liver and their breakdown, and then excretion into the intestines. Decline increased rate“good” cholesterol in the blood helps reduce the activity of liver cells synthesizing “bad” cholesterol.

Atorvastatin has selective action for the production of mevalonate. The most effective of them is herbal preparation"Rosuvastatin". The main advantage of the latter is that when treating with this medicine there is no negative consequences for the liver. He naturally reduces the production of cholesterol in the body, reducing the risk of cholesterol plaques settling on the walls of blood vessels. Since the biosynthesis of low-density lipoproteins is maximally increased at night, it is recommended to take the tablets before bed.

Treatment with these medications is prescribed for high cholesterol if the use of a low-carbohydrate diet for 3-4 months has not brought results. Recommended for use in old age, with a tendency to diabetes or hypertension. Be sure to take these cholesterol medications when symptoms of atherosclerosis appear and a diagnosis is made. ischemic disease hearts" or increased risk its occurrence.

Although effective and tolerable for most people, there may be negative consequences from the use of drugs in this class. This is explained by the fact that to obtain a positive result it is necessary to long-term use during several years. Exposed to maximum danger muscular system body. The skeletal muscles become depleted and painful symptoms. In this case, a dose reduction is prescribed or the drug is stopped altogether, otherwise the risk of muscle fiber breakdown increases every day. This condition of the body will lead to acute renal failure. It is especially dangerous to drink in combination with various antibiotics and fibrates. Risk factors are increased by age and chronic diseases; insufficient amount of nutrients supplied from food; operations; chronic diseases liver; smoking and alcohol.

When undergoing treatment against cholesterol, constant supervision of a qualified doctor is necessary, who, in cases of manifestation side effects will adjust the dosage. Regular laboratory testing facilitates timely detection of negative influence on muscle tissue. Side effects may also occur: headache; disorders gastrointestinal tract; sleep disturbance.

The active ingredients underlying the composition can also be found in everyday food or herbs. Correct construction daily diet usually excludes drug treatment. Such foods include foods rich in vitamins C, B, and omega-3 acids. These are citrus fruits, onions, sea buckthorn, bell pepper, meat products, fish, linseed oils.


Fibrate-based drugs have the property of lowering excess cholesterol in the blood.

Fibrate group

To lower cholesterol, fibrate-based products are often used in medicine. When treating with these tablets, you should pay attention to the functional functioning of the liver, as these drugs can cause the development cholelithiasis. With this diagnosis, the drug is strictly contraindicated. The effect is due to the active production of the specific enzyme lipoprotein lipase, which catalyzes metabolic processes fat

How to treat with cholesterol absorption inhibitors?

It is possible to use cholesterol absorption inhibitors. The best drug from this class is Ezesterol, which reduces the level. It is possible to combine its main component, ezetimibe, with a similar substance, simvastatin. The effect on cholesterol levels is that the intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol is reduced. Drug effects these tablets are the safest, since medicinal substance does not enter the blood vessels. “Ezesterol” is recommended to treat those people who have liver pathologies. Doctors are adding it to the list of statin drugs as a booster positive effect. There are no contraindications.

Severstants

Cholesterol-lowering substances affect the absorptive function of the intestines. Absorbed by the liver from blood vessels Cholesterol goes back through the biosynthesis process and is excreted. But part of it, entering the intestines, is absorbed back by it. Agents such as severstants (isolators) help bind powerful compounds that remove cholesterol from the body through the intestines, preventing reabsorption. Then the liver activates the function of synthesizing the missing substance directly from cholesterol and reduces its amount in the blood vessels. Despite the fact that this drug does not enter the bloodstream and has little side effects, its application in medical practice very rarely. Representatives of these drugs: “Colestyramine”; "Colestipol"; "Kolesevelam."

Use of nicotinic acid

Represents a high level of efficiency. Of all the drugs, it produces the best vasodilating effects to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Recommended for use if “bad” cholesterol is at a high level and there is an urgent need to cleanse the arteries of atherosclerotic plaques. It should immediately be noted that the main disadvantage of the drug is that large doses are prescribed for 1 dose for results. The required daily volume is up to 6 grams of the substance.

Positive effects are noted after just a few days of use. Cholesterol reduction occurs by blocking the release of fatty substances. In our time oral drug is not available with such characteristics, but long time use nicotine injection Absolutely forbidden. The plant extracts included in the composition are found in liver products, peanuts and seafood. Due to the need to take large doses of the drug, side effects develop: dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain and loss of coordination. Causes the occurrence fatty liver disease. To avoid such incidents, the drug should be taken in combination with B vitamins.


Probucol prevents the formation of fatty plaques on blood vessels, reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver.

Cholesterol – necessary for the body substance found in all living things. However, any deviation from normal level may become dangerous to human health and life. Rapid decline cholesterol folk remedies will help get rid of many of the consequences that arise from the accumulation of cholesterol plaques.

Causes of cholesterol deposits

The acceptable amount of cholesterol does not harm the body. If exceeded normal indicators the patient may develop a disease called atherosclerosis. Besides, increased level substances threaten heart pathologies, vascular problems, and obesity.

Common causes of elevated blood lipids are:

  • liver dysfunction;
  • poor nutrition;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • pathological processes in the kidneys;
  • pancreatitis;
  • consumption of some hormonal drugs, steroid drugs;
  • type 2 diabetes;
  • smoking;
  • passive lifestyle, lack of physical activity;
  • alcohol abuse;
  • chronic stress;
  • overeating, excessive consumption of foods rich in trans fats and carbohydrates.

Elevated cholesterol levels are observed mainly in men over 45 years of age, but this does not exclude the formation of pathology in other categories of the population.

The role of cholesterol in the body

Lipids are synthesized by the liver, gonads, intestinal system, adrenal glands, and also enter the body along with food. The role of fats for human body very important: lipids regulate the production of hormones, bile acids and are vital for work nervous system and immunity, participating in the synthesis of vitamin D.

In addition, lipid compounds protect the body from cancerous tumors, help digest fats, protect cell membranes, making them strong and increasing their elasticity.

The substance is indispensable for full human life, but sometimes cholesterol deposits can pose a danger.

There is harmful and safe cholesterol. A substance that is considered harmful is low-density lipoprotein. They are the cause of the formation of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular pathologies and other common deadly diseases. Plaques formed when fat is deposited can affect not only older people, but also young children whose mother abused junk food during pregnancy.

Beneficial lipoproteins have a high density and produce useful material and reduce atherosclerotic deposits.

Approximately 80% of the substance is synthesized in the body, the remaining 20% ​​comes from food. Common sources of fat are: butter, yolk, fatty meat, in particular pork, cheese, smoked meats, poultry, fish, milk high fat content.

Symptoms

An excess of the substance in the blood provokes a narrowing of the lumens of the vascular walls, up to their complete closure. There is also the possibility of plaque rupture and the formation of blood clots that can block the narrowed vessels. In addition, the blood clot can break off and lead to blockage internal organs.

The results of increased fat deposition can be:

  • various heart pathologies: heart attack, stroke, angina;
  • aortic aneurysm;
  • kidney disease;
  • high blood pressure;
  • aching joints leading to lameness;
  • pathological conditions of the intestinal system;
  • atherosclerosis.

There are some signs indicating an excess of lipids:

  • pain in the chest area, radiating to the limbs, under the shoulder blade, abdomen;
  • interruptions in the functioning of the heart muscle;
  • heart attack;
  • deterioration of erection, impotence;
  • stroke;
  • defeat vascular system brain;
  • lameness;
  • soreness in lower limbs;
  • inflammatory processes in the veins, numbness of the legs;
  • from external signs education can be noted yellow spots on the eyelids, as well as nodes over the tendons.

Similar signs appear when a substance exceeds the permissible limit many times.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis are:

  • circulatory disorder, manifested by cold extremities with a bluish tint;
  • poor memory;
  • impaired concentration;
  • brain activity disorder;
  • tendency to aggressiveness;
  • increased fatigue.

If one or more symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor: an advanced disease may have severe consequences for the body and worsen the patient’s quality of life.

Diet

The right diet has great importance in regulating lipid levels, so every person needs to know what foods to include in their daily diet.

You can reduce bad cholesterol by following special diet excluding the following foods:

  • fatty meat dishes;
  • smoked products;
  • canned food;
  • high-fat dairy products: sour cream, cream, butter and others;
  • egg yolk;
  • some varieties of fish with high fat content, caviar;
  • semi-finished products;
  • mayonnaise and sauces based on it;
  • baked goods, pasta;
  • sweet products.

The following products are allowed:

  • vegetables, fruits;
  • marine fish species;
  • wholemeal bread;
  • meat products with reduced content fat: veal, turkey;
  • cereal porridge;
  • garlic;
  • dried fruits, nuts.

Certain foods can help remove excess fat from your internal organs. Fiber and plant food capable of binding substances to intestinal system and limit their absorption into the circulatory system.

The following foods will help lower cholesterol:

  • dietary fiber contained in fruits, berries and vegetables: apples, pears, raspberries, beans, lentils, cabbage. Minimal amount consumption – 30 g per day;
  • black currants, apples, carrots, apricots, including pectins. Should consume 15 g daily;
  • stanols contained in soybean and pine oils will help reduce excess lipids.

For prevention purposes, each person needs to eat an average of 400 g of different fruits, which is approximately 5 apples per day.

You can lower cholesterol by following some recommendations:

  • reduce the consumption of potatoes, especially fried ones;
  • There is seaweed, eggplant;
  • eat vegetable salads seasoned with sunflower oil;
  • remove pork and beef from the diet, replacing them with fish and mushroom dishes;
  • reduce salt intake;
  • give up alcoholic drinks and tobacco;
  • drink more juices.

Often, overweight people have elevated lipid levels. That is why, by reducing daily consumption calories and applying physical exercise, you can achieve improved well-being.

Folk remedies

Any person who cares about their health should know how to lower cholesterol at home. There are many unconventional methods, proven over generations, effectively eliminating cholesterol plaques.

Fish fat

Taking pure fish oil or in the form of a dietary supplement can cure atherosclerosis. However for effective result The dosage must be agreed with your doctor.

Linen

Flaxseed contains various vitamins, amino acids and minerals that help normalize sugar and fat deposits in the circulatory system. Flax can be consumed by adding it to a regular dish, as well as brewing it as infusions and decoctions.

Juices

Treatment with juices is one of the ways to eliminate atherosclerosis. The course of therapy is 5 days a month. Freshly squeezed, slightly chilled juices are taken daily, distributed over the entire course. For treatment you will need juices from celery - 280 g, carrots - 240 g, beets, cucumbers, apples, cabbage, oranges - 145 g each.

Propolis

Propolis-based tincture can be purchased at pharmacy chains. Take 10 drops 30 minutes before meals. Therapy lasts 90 days.

For self-cooking tincture will require 50 g of propolis per 0.5 liter of alcohol. Propolis is grated or ground in a blender.

Medical alcohol is poured into a dark container, mixed with propolis, and infused for 7 days. Before each use, stir the tincture thoroughly.

Rose hip

To fight with high cholesterol An alcohol tincture made from rosehip will help. To do this, 125 g of pre-crushed fruits are poured with 250 g of vodka or alcohol, left for 14 days and consumed 10-15 g before meals.

Garlic

Everyone knows that garlic can treat many diseases. Possessing bactericidal abilities, garlic will help strengthen immune system. The plant contains many nutrients regulating the level of fat deposits.

To make a healing garlic mass, you need 1 kg of garlic, a sprig of dill, 80 g of salt, 50 g of horseradish, fresh leaves cherries. The garlic is peeled and placed in a deep container along with other ingredients. The mixture is poured with boiling water, covered with gauze and kept for 7 days. Drink the resulting infusion after meals.

Besides, based on garlic you can prepare the following medicinal composition, consisting of honey, garlic and lemon. This mixture can cleanse the liver without taking pills and reduce excess lipid content. To prepare the garlic, grind it in a meat grinder, mix with lemon juice and honey. Take a teaspoon twice a day.

Legumes

Legumes have the ability to be quickly absorbed in the body, and also contain acids, vitamins and fats necessary for full human life, and reduce the risk of infectious diseases by cleansing the blood and blood vessels.

Beans are often used to prevent atherosclerosis. To prepare the decoction, you need to soak 2 kg of beans for 12 hours, add soda on the tip of a knife and cook the resulting mixture. The decoction should be consumed 5-10 g twice a day for 10 days.

Collection of herbs

A proven remedy for cholesterol is a decoction based on the following medicinal plants:

  • 20 g each of birch leaves and raspberries;
  • 5 g each of rose hips and calendula;
  • 15 grams of thorns;
  • 10 g each of artichoke and goldenrod.

The herbs are poured with boiling water, kept for several hours and consumed instead of regular tea.

Medicinal herbs can be taken individually or made into mixtures. The most effective are the following healing herbal compositions:

  • hawthorn, garlic, mistletoe;
  • rosehip, raspberry, nettle, hawthorn, periwinkle, chestnut, sweet clover;
  • lily of the valley, lemon balm, cinquefoil, rue herb;
  • hawthorn, yarrow, mistletoe, horsetail, periwinkle;
  • Sophora japonica. It is taken as an infusion or as an alcohol-based tincture. This tincture must be kept for two weeks in a dark place.

Clover showed high efficiency: add 200 g of boiling water to the dry plant, consume 30 g before meals.

Buckwheat flour

Buckwheat flour will help lower blood cholesterol quickly. 90 g of flour are combined with 200 g of water, boiled for 15 minutes over moderate heat. The solution must be taken daily, 100 g.

Linden

To eliminate bad lipids from circulatory system use the following recipe. Dried up linden flowers grind into powder, take 5 g three times a day for one month. Next, you need to take a break for 14 days, and then repeat the course of treatment.

All folk recipes Cholesterol control requires following a certain diet containing sufficient amounts of vitamin C and pectins. So, when eating linden, you should include dill and apples in your diet daily, as well as choleretic herbs: milk thistle, immortelle, tansy, corn silk. Within 2-3 months, most patients notice an improvement in their condition.

Dandelion roots

Dried dandelion is excellent for removing excess fat, and is also one of the methods for preventing atherosclerotic plaques. Dry roots are ground into powder and consumed 5 g before meals. This method does not have any restrictions.

Celery

The stems are cut and dipped in boiling water for 2 minutes, sprinkled with sesame seeds, salt to taste, add a little sugar and vegetable oil. The resulting dish is light and can be consumed by people of all ages. The only contraindication is hypotension.

Licorice

Licorice rhizomes help get rid of cholesterol, which must be crushed using a blender. Pour 500 g of boiling water into 2 tablespoons of licorice, cook for 10 minutes and strain. Take the resulting infusion 100 g 4 times a day, after meals. The duration of treatment is 14-21 days, after which they take a break of 30 days and repeat the course.

Golden mustache

A medicinal plant that cures many diseases. To prepare the infusion, a long leaf is crushed, combined with 1000 g of boiling water and left for 24 hours.

Drink the decoction before meals three times a day, 20 g, for 3 months. During this time you can bring lipid levels to acceptable levels and reduce the amount of fat in the body.

In addition, this healing decoction will lower blood sugar, get rid of kidney cysts, and also have a beneficial effect on the liver.

Oats

A proven method for reducing cholesterol deposits and preventing atherosclerosis is consuming oats. To prepare 200 g of oats, sifted through a colander, pour 1 liter of boiling water, strain and consume once a day, in the morning before breakfast.

This method can improve the functioning of the body, remove unnecessary fats, toxins and waste from the body, and improve complexion.

Medicines

Medicines that lower cholesterol and cleanse blood vessels will help improve the patient’s well-being. Currently, the list of medications used to eliminate excess fat is very long. Of the most effective means you can note:

  • Lovastatin.
  • Simvastatin.
  • Fluvastatin.
  • Cestatin.
  • Pitavastatin.

Tablets are produced in various dosages. The required dose should be prescribed by a specialist, taking into account the severity of the disease.. These products are safe for long-term use and have the following properties:

  • prevent the formation of blood clots;
  • docked inflammatory systems processes in blood vessels;
  • prevent the development of atherosclerosis.

Systematic use of drugs will help avoid dangerous complications, which arise when the norm of fats in the blood is exceeded.

Some statins have contraindications: they can negatively affect liver function. Side effects include: memory loss, dizziness, muscle pain. That is why necessary medications must be prescribed by a specialist.

Fibrates, which reduce lipid concentrations by destroying lipoproteins, have shown high effectiveness. The products will help dissolve excess substances located outside the vascular walls. Popular drugs include:

  • Clofibrine.
  • Bezaline.
  • Dopur.
  • Elasterine.

The use showed excellent results nicotinic acid, capable of inhibiting lipoprotein synthesis reduced density. In addition, without a doctor’s prescription, you can purchase various dietary supplements in pharmacy chains that help fight cholesterol plaques. These include atheroclephitis, fibropect.

Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Don't wait alarming symptoms and development various complications. Folk remedies for cholesterol are available to every person and are quite effective in the fight against fat deposits and atherosclerosis.

The peculiarity of drugs for lowering blood cholesterol is their powerful effect on human body. They help cleanse blood vessels and protect against problems of poor circulation.

Taking these medications is necessary when non-drug therapy(sports, dietary food) does not bring a positive result.

Pharmaceutical companies offer several groups of drugs that are suitable for lowering cholesterol. To figure out which are the most effective, it is important to know their characteristics and features.

The importance of normalizing cholesterol levels

Increased cholesterol in the blood fluid can cause many diseases. However, it is worth remembering that this substance is divided into good and bad cholesterol. Having the first is necessary to participate in most vital important processes(synthesis of hormones, construction of membranes at the cellular level).

In turn, the content in the body bad cholesterol often leads to the development of heart and vascular diseases. This is explained by the fact that lipoproteins having low density, can lead to vascular walls Sclerotic plaques will begin to form.

To eliminate this unfavorable factor in most cases, anticholesterol drugs are prescribed.

Prerequisites for taking medications

Some symptoms may indicate an increase in cholesterol levels:

If you suspect a pathology, you should contact medical institution for biochemical analysis blood. If the result shows high values, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment.

Cholesterol-lowering medications are used when other methods do not provide effective results.

In addition, the prerequisites for drug treatment are:

  • coronary heart disease, which increases the risk of heart attack;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • history of strokes or heart attacks;
  • coronary artery diseases.

You cannot lower cholesterol with medications in the following cases:

  • there is no threat to the life and health of the patient due to a stroke or heart attack;
  • the woman has not reached menopause;
  • a history of diabetes mellitus.

Regardless of the indications, you cannot select medicinal product on one's own. To prescribe therapy, you must consult a doctor.

Classification

Today, manufacturers offer many medications for high cholesterol. The choice of drugs in each case is carried out individually, which makes it possible to choose the optimal drug that has a minimum of side effects.

All medications are classified into several groups:

  • fibrates;
  • statins;
  • a nicotinic acid;
  • herbal preparations.

The products can be available in the form of cholesterol tablets or capsules.

Preparations based on nicotinic acid

Nicotinic acid tablets help lower the concentration of low-density lipoproteins by suppressing their production. The answer to the question of how this process is carried out has not been received to this day.

Meanwhile, experts have confirmed that if you take the drug in large quantities, you can significantly reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Among adverse reactions highlight:

  • the heat that the patient feels in upper area torso and face;
  • the appearance of allergic reactions;
  • increased glucose levels in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus;
  • disruption of the digestive tract system.

In this regard, taking nicotinic acid should begin with a small dose and gradually increase it. Throughout the entire period of treatment with this drug, the patient should be under the supervision of a doctor.

Contraindications include:

  • ulcer and gastritis of the stomach;
  • chronic hepatitis;
  • gout;
  • heart pathology (a decrease or increase in heart rate may be observed).

One of the most effective products containing this substance is Enduracin.

Bile acid sequestrants

Drugs belonging to this group lower cholesterol levels by combining bile acids and converting them into compounds that are not soluble in water. However, the human body cannot do without them and obtains the substance through production from cholesterol. As a result of such processes, the number of pathogenic lipoproteins in the blood composition decreases.

Main advantages:

  • no side effect;
  • there is no systemic effect.

Flaws:

  • a positive result will be noticeable only after a few weeks with regular use of the drug;
  • there is no improvement in the condition of the vascular system;
  • the process of saturation with vitamins and essential substances is disrupted.

Sequestrants are taken in increased doses and must be washed down big amount water. Against this background, malfunctions of the digestive system may occur, which is accompanied by nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and bloating.

Among the most the best means this category:

  1. Cholestyramine. This is a powdery product from which a suspension is prepared. Substance of the same name, contained in the composition, helps reduce absorption fatty acids and cholesterol, as well as stimulating the production of bile acid in the liver, due to which bad cholesterol starts to be used up.
  2. Cholestipol. It contains an anion exchange resin, which is involved in the process of combining bile acids and transforming them into compounds that do not dissolve in liquid. The effect of the drug reduces the amount dangerous cholesterol, while retaining beneficial HDL ().

Since the means of this group are different local influence, they don't give negative effects systemic in nature. To prevent pathological processes in the digestive organs, increasing the dose should occur at a slow pace until the desired purpose.

In addition, it is worth noting that sequestrants may impair the absorption of other medications. In this regard, they are taken four hours before or one hour after using another product.

Fibrates

Mostly, drugs are prescribed from the list of drugs presented below:

  1. Bezafibrate. The tablets not only help reduce lipid fats, but also improve the general condition of patients diagnosed with angina and ischemia. The names of such drugs: Oralipin, Benzamidine, Tsedur. The duration of therapy is 30 days. After this there is a break for a month
  2. Gemfibrozil. Reduces triglycerides, the number of low-density fats and helps accelerate the removal of cholesterol. The effect can be noticed after 30 days of taking the tablets. Since the substance is still long time remains in the blood fluid, it is allowed to take short breaks in treatment, therapeutic effect will be present.
  3. This is fibrate. Its action reduces blood viscosity and the formation of blood clots. In most cases, pharmacies sell medicine that has similar action, with the name Lipo-Merz. The drug is taken once a day after eating.

Fibrates are contraindicated in:

Side effects include:

  • anemia;
  • headache;
  • allergy;
  • disorders of the digestive tract;
  • drowsiness;
  • dizziness;
  • alopecia.

It is worth noting that negative consequences occur in rare cases.

Statins

These are the most popular cholesterol pills of all groups.

Among the first generation products are:

  • Pravastatin;
  • Lovastatin.

They provide positive impact for production good cholesterol and are prescribed if high . Simvastatin is considered a good remedy. If taken for a long time, vascular spasms are eliminated and blood pressure is reduced.

2nd generation statins:

  • Leskol forte;
  • Leskol.

They are assigned to extreme cases because of high risk development of side effects.

3rd generation drugs:

  • Liptonorm;
  • Tulip.

They have a smaller list of negative actions. Each drug contains atorvastatin.

New generation medicines:

  • Livazo;
  • Rocker;
  • Rosecard;
  • Crestor.

Patients should remember that it is prohibited to take statins on their own. The appointment is made exclusively by the attending physician. If you ignore the doctor's instructions, the likelihood of some side effects increases, which is accompanied by:

  • nausea and vomiting;
  • headaches, dizziness;
  • heart rhythm disturbances;
  • flatulence, constipation or diarrhea;
  • pain in muscles and joints;
  • swelling, allergies, itching;
  • disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys and liver.

Contraindications for use:

  • predisposition to allergic reaction;
  • intolerance to components;
  • liver and kidney diseases;
  • pregnancy period and breastfeeding;
  • disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system.

As a rule, fourth-generation statins provide a quick effect, which can be noticed already in the first month of use.

Herbal preparations

It is permissible to use drugs in this group only if the indicator is slightly exceeded or as an addition to the main therapy.

The following products have a good anti-cholesterol effect:

  • raspberries;
  • chokeberry;
  • viburnum;
  • hawthorn;
  • celery, garlic and carrots help cleanse blood vessels;
  • yarrow, linden, motherwort, oats improve liver function and lower cholesterol.

Dandelion roots help improve the functioning of the digestive system, enrich the body with essential substances, and prevent the absorption of cholesterol from food.

dietary supplement

Among biologically active additives The most popular are the following:

  1. Gepar;
  2. Vita norm;
  3. Artemisin;
  4. Lecithin Granules.

As an alternative, use:

  1. Aterol. It has an effect that helps cleanse the blood and liver, and also controls the patient’s weight. Produced in capsule form. In addition, the product normalizes the activity of the digestive tract and is aimed at breaking down harmful compounds and removing them from the human body.
  2. Choledol. Improves lipid metabolism, reduces cholesterol concentrations, restores blood flow. The drug does not have side effects and promotes rapid improvement well-being.

Anticholesterol alfalfa and Atheroclephyte are no less popular. The peculiarity of saponins present in alfalfa lies in their complex therapeutic effect.

They not only prevent the formation of negative cholesterol, but also prevent vascular atherosclerosis, increase immune protection, have an antitumor effect.

Is there a difference in the use of drugs for women and men?

The duration of treatment for men and women, as well as the dosage of medications, are the same.

Medicines are taken as prescribed and suggested by the attending physician.

Drugs during pregnancy

If, when deciphering a biochemical blood test, it is revealed that the cholesterol value is significantly higher than the norm, medication treatment is prescribed. Most often, the doctor prescribes drugs from the statin group, which have effective action. However, it is worth remembering that these medications are contraindicated during pregnancy.

In such a situation, pregnant women are prescribed Hofitol. The permissible norm is no more than three tablets per day. You should not self-medicate. To get an appointment, it is better to seek help from a specialist.

The most popular drugs

Among the cheap but effective means are:

  • lipoic acid;
  • Simvor;
  • garlic tablets;
  • Simvahexal;
  • Simvacard.

The most popular and frequently prescribed are:

  1. Aterol is one of the most effective drugs in the fight against high cholesterol. Among its main advantages are the absence of negative consequences, short treatment(about three courses of admission are enough), natural ingredients in the composition.
  2. New generation statins and Simvastatin.
  3. Ezetrol is a drug that few people are familiar with, but it is effective. Its action is aimed at preventing the absorption of cholesterol, while the process is not blocked, but slowed down.
  4. Fish fat with Omega-3.

If blood biochemistry shows an excess, you need to contact a specialist who will prescribe appropriate treatment. If you do not take any measures to reduce the indicator, the risk of developing serious consequences, which can cause stroke and heart attack.

Enough a large number of people are worried excess cholesterol. Most of them believe that cholesterol only increases when a person eats foods that directly contain large amounts of cholesterol, but this is not true!

A large amount of this substance, namely 70%, is synthesized by the body on its own, and only 30% comes from the outside.

What is cholesterol?

  • Cholesterol is a fat-like substance which is found in almost all living organisms on the planet. Cholesterol is produced by the liver, and in such quantities as is necessary for the full functioning of the body, so it makes no sense to receive it additionally from food.
  • If a person's diet is balanced, then on average per day, an additional 300-500 mg of cholesterol enters the body, and the same amount is produced in the body itself by the synthesis process. Already in the intestines, cholesterol molecules are released from foods and penetrate into the blood.
  • Penetration into tissue is also possible, under the guise of peculiar protein-lipid compounds - lipoproteins, which include protein apoproteins, cholesterol and triglycerides. If there are a lot of triglycerides in the blood, then this composition has a very low density, respectively, when the amount of lipoproteins is insufficient, then the complex has an increased density.
    • Low density lipoproteins, undergo synthesis in the liver and turn into lipoproteins high density, rich in cholesterol molecules, which contain up to two-thirds general composition blood plasma. These substances transport cholesterol in blood vessels and are one of the signs of atherosclerosis. At minimum content low-density lipoproteins, the lower the risk of the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels.
    • contain less cholesterol, they are responsible for the reverse transport of cholesterol from the vessels to other lipoproteins, or directly to the liver, which, in turn, removes them from the body along with bile.

Causes of high cholesterol

Both hereditary and acquired pathologies affect the amount of cholesterol in the blood. A person can inherit some genes from their parents that promote cholesterol synthesis. This phenomenon does not necessarily indicate an increase in cholesterol; its amount can be both high and low. Such pathologies lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases.

If we talk about acquired pathologies, these include:


  1. Lifestyle also affects cholesterol levels. Frequent use fatty foods, as well as bakery products, which include vegetable fats and margarine significantly increase cholesterol levels.
  2. Bad habits, smoking, alcoholism, soft drugs, as well as hobbies such as hookah or e-Sigs can be attributed to the causative agents of active cholesterol production.
  3. Sedentary image life leads not to the active production of cholesterol, but to its accumulation.

Symptoms of high cholesterol

Many people wonder how to lower cholesterol without pills? Naturally, this is possible, but in cases where increased rate cholesterol is just the first symptom.

Long-term increase in the norm with chronic disease, it is very difficult to cure with folk remedies, so they are used as a concomitant treatment:

  • Linden for cholesterol. The recipe involves using dried linden color. Strangely enough, they are taken dry and not steamed. A small amount of the colors are ground in a blender or coffee grinder to a powder state. One teaspoon should be eaten with a glass of water 20 minutes before meals, three times a day.
  • Garlic. Prepare garlic tincture. To do this, chop 350 grams of peeled garlic, place in a glass and pour 300 ml medical alcohol. Place the infusion in a dark and cool place (but not in the refrigerator) for 10 days. Take a teaspoon three times a day.
  • Jaundice. According to Bolotov’s recipe, 50 grams of dried jaundice herb must be poured into three liters boiled water. 100 grams of sugar are stirred in water and left for 14 days. The resulting fermentation is drunk half a glass once a day, half an hour before meals.
  • Propolis. Consuming it will help lower cholesterol levels. Propolis tincture 4%, mixed with water (2-3 drops) and drunk twice a day.
  • Red rowan. It removes harmful cholesterol from the body. Several rowan berries are poured with boiling water and left for two hours. The resulting infusion is drunk in one gulp.