In the analysis of 135 previous studies, which included nearly 250,000 people combined, researchers found that the drugs simvastatin (Zocor) and pravastatin (Pravachol) had the fewest side effects in this class of medications. They also found that lower doses produced fewer side effects in general.
In respect to this, how do statins reduce LDL levels?
Statins have been clearly shown to reduce blood cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis, or heart disease. They work by reducing the liver's production of cholesterol. They block an enzyme called HMG CoA Reductase that the liver uses to make cholesterol.
Do statins lower HDL cholesterol?
To heartwire , Karas said that although statins reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, event rates in statin-treated patients remain unacceptably high. It is unclear, he said, whether the cardiovascular disease risk associated with low levels of HDL cholesterol is altered by statin therapy.
Which cholesterol drug is safest?
The Most Common Cholesterol Meds: Statins
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol)
- Lovastatin.
- Pitavastatin (Livalo)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
- Rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)