When changes do not prove sufficient to twist the arm to cholesterol, only then turns to drugs. The choice of appropriate therapy depends on the lipid profile of the patient.
For those in which LDL cholesterol is the problem, the therapy of choice are statins. “These drugs regulate LDL receptors, stimulating their uptake by the liver,” explained Dr. Lozada. “Its effects are very rare,” added Dr. Ugarte, may cause an increase in liver enzymes or muscle, can cause liver inflammation or muscle. ”
That’s why when indicated statin treatment doctors usually monitor the behavior of these enzymes. Still, both experts agree, these are drugs with decades of human use that guarantee their safety.
When what is out of control are triglycerides are used fibrates. “These drugs act on the molecules that carry triglycerides, reducing its presence in the blood,” said Ugarte. “Its most common side effect is gallstone formation,” Lozada completed.
Sometimes, high levels of LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels may coexist in one person. “In that case, first shown statins in high doses it reduces not only LDL but also a bit lower triglycerides. When this is not combine statins and fibrates, but with much vigilance, as the combination enhances the risk of adverse effects of both drugs, “said Ugarte.
By Sebastian A. Rivers of the editors of La Nacion