Medications for Cholesterol

Not everyone needs medication to manage their cholesterol levels. However, some people do. If you've tried healthy diet and regular exercise and have been unable to improve your cholesterol levels, your doctor may decide to put you on medication to help the situation. There are a variety of different medications that may be used to lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and raise good (HDL) cholesterol levels.

First, there's Clofibrate. This type of medicine is commonly also known as Atromid-S and works to raise HDL levels while lowering triglycerides. Another drug that is used to raise HDL cholesterol is called Gemfibrozil or Lopoid. You may wonder why anyone would want to raise their cholesterol. When it comes to HDL, the higher the number, the better. HDL cholesterol helps carry harmful cholesterol to the liver for removal rather than allowing it to build up in the arteries. Some drugs do more than just raise the HDL cholesterol. Many of the most commonly prescribed medications for cholesterol not only raise good cholesterol, but lower bad (LDL) cholesterol levels.

Nicotinic Acid is one such medication that raises good HDL cholesterol while lowering bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Another type of drug that may be prescribed is one that falls under the class of resins. Examples of resins include Cholestryamine, Statins, and drugs such as Lipitor, Crestor and Pravachol. Whether or not you need medication for your cholesterol, and which medication is best for you depends on various factors. Your doctor will perform an in-depth evaluation before prescribing what he or she thinks will work best for you.

If you are prescribed medication for your cholesterol, be sure to take it exactly as directed. Do not take more than you are supposed to or skip doses. In addition to taking your medication properly, your doctor may advise you to start or continue diet and exercise improvements. A healthy diet for lowering cholesterol is one low in fat and calories. Foods like fruits, vegetables, cold water fish, soy and nuts can actually help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol while keeping the body trim. Then there's exercise. Exercise can also lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. Try to get thirty minutes of cardiovascular activity three to five times per week. Supplementing your workout with strength and flexibility training can make your fitness plan even more effective.

Another important aspect of cholesterol level management is good communication with your doctor. Having your cholesterol tested on a regular basis and letting your doctor know your progress with diet and exercise is crucial. If you're not eating and/or exercising properly, your doctor needs to know about it. If you are eating and exercising as you should, your doctor should know this as well. Your lifestyle can make a big difference in whether or not you will need to take medication to lower your cholesterol. Not everyone can avoid medication, but in many cases diet and exercise can be quite effective.