How Statins Work

Statins block the production of cholesterol in the liver. They lower LDL and triglycerides, and have a mild effect in raising HDL.

These drugs are the first line of treatment for most people with high cholesterol. Side effects can include intestinal problems, liver damage, and in a few people, muscle tenderness. Examples of statins include:

• Crestor - Most of the cholesterol in our blood is made within our bodies, by the liver. And that's where Crestor comes in. Crestor works by blocking an enzyme in the liver. It reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol produced by the liver and raises the HDL cholesterol.

  Along with diet, Crestor can also slow the progression of atherosclerosis, the progressive buildup of plaque in the arteries over time, as part of a treatment plan in adults to lower cholesterol to goal.

• Lipitor - Lipitor is clinically proven to lower bad cholesterol levels 39%-60%, when diet and exercise aren't enough. Not every brand-name medication has an approved generic form. While there are generic versions of other cholesterol medications, there is no approved generic form of Lipitor.

  If you switch to a generic cholesterol-lowering medication, it will be to a generic form of a different medication.

• Lescol - Lescol XL works by blocking a certain enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which controls the rate of cholesterol production in the liver.

  Blocking HMG-CoA reductase causes the liver to make less cholesterol and take up more LDL cholesterol from the blood. These effects result in lowered cholesterol and LDL levels in the blood.

• Mevacor - Mevacor reduces LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels and raises the HDL cholesterol level. Mevacor is proven to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease events, such as heart attack or angina (chest pain).
• Pravachol - Pravachol is the brand name. Pravachol is the most studied statin (cholesterol-lowering drug) in clinical trials.

  It is used to decrease LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increase the HDL cholesterol level. Pravachol is also proven to reduce coronary heart disease events and deaths due to heart attack or stroke.

• Zocor - Zocor is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a statin. It is used along with a proper diet to help lower cholesterol and fats in the blood. In general, this drug is prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol.

  Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks. Zocor is used in adults and children (10 years of age and older). Young girls must have had their menstrual periods for at least one year before starting this medication.

Dangers of Statins

With any prescribed medication there are side effects and dangers. A few associated with statins are:

• Muscle Pain and Weakness - The most common side effect from statins is muscle pain and weakness, a condition called rhabdomyolysis, most likely due to the depletion of Co-Q10, a nutrient that supports muscle function.
• Dizziness-Dizziness is commonly associated with statin use, possibly due to pressure-lowering effects.
• Neuropathy - Polyneuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is characterized by weakness, tingling and pain in the hands and feet as well as difficulty walking.
• People who take large doses for a long time may be left with permanent nerve damage, even after they stop taking the drug.

Co-Q10 and Statin Use

Co-Q10 depletion becomes more and more of a problem as the pharmaceutical industry encourages doctors to lower cholesterol levels in their patients by greater and greater amounts of statins.

Interference with production of Co-Q10 by statin drugs is the most likely explanation of the congestive heart failure epidemic in the United States today. The heart is a muscle and it cannot work when deprived of Co-Q10.

Benefits of Co-Q10

There are many benefits of taking Co-Q10. A few benefits from taking a supplement including Co-Q10 are:

• Protection Against Stroke
• Improves High Blood Pressure
• Can help Parkinson's disease
• Benefits People With Kidney Failure
• Promotes Youthful Skin
• Effective for Migraine Prevention
• Can Improve Glucose Control in Type 2 Diabetics
• Help lower Cholesterol Levels

Natural Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol - Resterol

Resterol can be used to compliment your existing treatment program, regardless of the medication you are currently prescribed. With its synergistic blend of nutrients, Progressive Health's Resterol can address factors in your diet that influence total cholesterol levels.

Even though we cannot address hereditary factors influencing your cholesterol, this advanced formula may provide a secondary support to the many healthy changes you've started making in your life.

You've addressed your need to lower your total cholesterol; you now owe it to yourself to supplement your diet with a nutritional tool that is guaranteed, effective, and safe. A few ingredients in Resterol are:

• Vitamin E - A potent antioxidant, vitamin E has been studied and used for years to improve cardiovascular health. Vitamin E supplementation also appears to reverse levels of certain molecules (VCAM-1 and nitric oxide) in the blood that contribute to atherosclerosis in people with high cholesterol.
• Pantethine - The effect of supplementation on cardiovascular health with this B vitamin has been known for many years. It appears the positive effects of pantethine in lowering lipids are related to its effect on insulin.
• Garlic (Allium sativa) - This botanical medicine, often referred to as the panacea of herbs, is very useful in cardiovascular disease. Certain compounds in garlic have demonstrated the ability to reduce oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which contributes to atherosclerosis.
• Gum Guggul Extract (Commiphora mukul) - Classically used in Ayurvedic medicine to lower cholesterol, gum guggul has received much interest in the Western world. Research supports the use of guggul to lower high levels of lipids.

For a complete list of ingredients Click Here.

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