Cholesterol Medicines
Several medications and combinations can help lower cholesterol in people with high amounts of bad cholesterol. The most common are statins. These medicines are designed to decrease LDL and raise HDL, and they can also lower triglycerides. They also can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to make cell walls, tissues, hormones, vitamin D and bile acid. It's made by your liver and comes from the foods you eat, including meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Blood cholesterol levels tell your doctor if you're at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It's important to know your numbers so you can talk with your doctor about how to lower them. Your blood has two kinds of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). Too much of the bad kind, or not enough of the good kind, increases the risk that you'll develop a problem with your heart ...