What Are Some Of The Cholesterol Medicine Side Effects I Should Be Aware Of?

Let’s face keeping our hearts strong and arteries clear from cholesterol laden plaque deposits is a very important part of overall health, and essential to avoiding a heart attack or stroke. The only question for most of us is how we achieve those goals.

The most popular medications for reducing cholesterol are know statins. Most medical professionals deem them to be relatively safe and the cholesterol medicine side effects associated with these drugs are inconsequential in relation to the benefits they produce. In order to draw a well informed conclusion about cholesterol medicine side effects first we must gain a general understanding of how these drugs work. For this we will turn to the American Medical Association Encyclopedia.

“Statins are also called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. These medications lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol (bad cholesterol). They also lower levels of lipids, such as triglycerides. Statins work by interfering with the manufacture of cholesterol in the body, blocking an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase that is needed by the body to create cholesterol. Less cholesterol in the body encourages the liver to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, thus lowering the risk of clogged blood vessels and heart disease.”

Sounds pretty good so far; right?

Next to determine cholesterol medicine side effects why don’t we travel over to the Lovastatin (a statin) website to see exactly what they have to say about cholesterol medication side effects.

The side effects of Lovastatin are allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; dark urine; fever; joint pain; muscle pain and cramps; redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth; trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine; unusual weakness and tiredness; yellowing of the skin and eyes. But that’s not all! Under the category of not needing to be reported to your medical profession unless they become bothersome are constipation; headache; stomach gas, pain, upset; nausea; and trouble sleeping.

With cholesterol medications side effects like these one would just have to wonder what would classify as being too many. Oh and that’s not all! In rare circumstances a deadly condition known as rhabdomyolysis can occur which is a condition that causes muscle death and kidney failure.

Since all of the statins work in a similar way they all tend to produce similar side effects.

Are there any natural alternatives that are free from cholesterol medicine side effects that have shown to be effective in lowering LDL, lowering triglycerides and raising HDL (good cholesterol)?

Yes, there are a number of natural cholesterol supplements which have shown to be effective in the battle against cholesterol. Many people who have embraced a more natural approach are finding that by adding a natural cholesterol reduction supplement to their regime they have been able to improve their overall blood lipid readings. These products are affordable, available without a prescription, side effect free, and are considered to be very safe.

By: R.D. Hawkins

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R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com