Read the information below about cholesterol and ways of treating high cholesterol levels. Diet and inherited factors affect the level of cholesterol in a person’s blood. Too much cholesterol may cause deposits of fat to build up in blood vessels and reduce the flow of blood. This may cause the person to have a heart attack. Some drugs can lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
The body needs cholesterol. Cells use cholesterol to make new cell membranes and some hormones. The liver makes cholesterol for the body.
Some drugs can help people with high cholesterol levels.
Statins block the enzyme in the liver that is used to produce cholesterol. People will normally have to take statins for the rest of their lives. Statins can lead to muscle damage and kidney problems. Using some statins for a long time has caused high numbers of deaths.
Cholesterol blockers reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine into the blood. Cholesterol blockers can sometimes cause problems if the person is using other drugs.
Evaluate the use of the two types of drug for a person with high cholesterol levels.