September is National Cholesterol Education Month. At Klingensmith’s Drug Stores, we want to highlight this often-silent threat, as well as the medications and strategies we use to help manage it.
According to Johns Hopkins, about 71 million Americans have high cholesterol, making it a common health concern. However, it’s far from insignificant: high cholesterol can lead to serious problems such as cardiovascular disease and stroke, affecting many without noticeable symptoms.
While diet and exercise are vital aspects of managing high cholesterol, they’re not always enough. More specifically, factors like genetics, age, and pre-existing conditions can make managing cholesterol through lifestyle changes alone a difficult task.
At Klingensmith’s, we offer personalized pharmacy services to help Pennsylvania patients manage crucial medical issues like high cholesterol. With a range of cholesterol-lowering medications and knowledgeable support staff, we are serious about helping you achieve better heart health.
If you’re dealing with abnormal cholesterol levels, we’ve crafted this article with you in mind. Read on to learn more about the prescriptions we carry to help manage your high cholesterol effectively.
Exploring Medications for Lowering Cholesterol
Every year, more and more Americans are prescribed medications to help lower or manage their cholesterol levels. As of 2024, Yale Medicine reports that about 47 million Americans take some kind of cholesterol medication, making it one of the most common types of prescriptions in the country.
These meds are particularly valuable for individuals who cannot achieve their target levels through diet and exercise alone. They’re predominantly aimed at lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol” that can have serious health consequences.
Let’s take a look at the different types of cholesterol medications and how they work:
Statins
Statins are the most common medications prescribed for high cholesterol. According to Harvard Health, statins can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from heart disease from anywhere between 25% to 35%.
This medication works by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol, thus reducing the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood. Statins also have anti-inflammatory properties that help stabilize plaque on artery walls, reducing the risk of heart attack.
Although highly effective, statins can cause side effects in some people, such as muscle pain, digestive issues, and cognitive problems. It’s important to monitor any side effects and discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Bile Acid Sequestrants
Not as commonly prescribed as statins, bile acid sequestrants can be an effective alternative for individuals who cannot tolerate other cholesterol-lowering medications.
These medications work by binding to bile acids in the intestines, which are then excreted from the body. This process forces the liver to use excess cholesterol to produce more bile acids, thereby lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.
Bile acid sequestrants are particularly effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels and can be used in combination with other medications for a more comprehensive approach to cholesterol management. They are often prescribed for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that causes extremely high cholesterol levels.
Additionally, these medications can be beneficial for those who experience muscle pain from statins.
Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors work by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the intestines from the food you eat. In turn, this helps lower the bad cholesterol levels in your blood.
Unlike statins, which reduce cholesterol production in the liver, these inhibitors block a protein in the intestines responsible for cholesterol uptake. This method effectively reduces the overall amount of cholesterol entering your bloodstream from dietary sources.
These medications are often prescribed alongside statins to enhance cholesterol-lowering effects, offering a more comprehensive approach. By combining these treatments, it’s possible to target cholesterol production and absorption simultaneously. This provides a dual mechanism for better control of cholesterol levels.
Starting a new cholesterol medication, whether by itself or in combination with another, can be a nerve-wracking experience. Therefore, it’s extremely important to understand the medication and follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.
PCSK9 Inhibitors
For patients whose cholesterol levels remain high despite other treatments, PCSK9 inhibitors offer a promising option. In a 2020 study by the National Institute of Health, PCSK9 Inhibitors were found to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by up to 60%.
These medications target a specific protein in the liver called PCSK9, which regulates the number of LDL receptors. By inhibiting this protein, PCSK9 inhibitors increase the receptors available to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
PCSK9 inhibitors are administered via injection, typically every two to four weeks, rather than in pill form.
Fibric Acid Derivatives (Fibrates)
If you have high triglycerides, which are a type of fat found in your blood, Fibrates may be a good medication option.
Triglycerides are fats your body makes from excess calories you consume but don’t burn. Doctors often prescribe fibrates for people with high triglycerides along with high cholesterol, or for those who can’t tolerate statins.
Fibrates raise HDL (otherwise known as the “good” cholesterol), which is beneficial for heart health. They work by activating a protein that helps break down fats in the blood.
Importance of Following Healthcare Provider’s Guidance
It doesn’t matter which type of cholesterol medication you’ve been prescribed: adhering to your healthcare provider’s instructions is crucial. Stopping medication abruptly or not following the prescribed dosage can lead to serious health risks such as heart attack or stroke.
Regular check-ups and blood tests also help monitor your cholesterol levels and allow for medication adjustments as needed. Make sure you consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Your Local Klingensmith’s Pharmacy is Here to Help
Though equally important in their own right, lifestyle changes aren’t always enough to combat high cholesterol levels alone. Tens of millions of Americans require prescription medications to reach healthier cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of heart disease and other problems.
Note: Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and stay informed about your treatment options. If you have questions, ask immediately.
For additional personalized support or to find a local pharmacy, reach out to Klingensmith’s Drug Stores. All of our locations are here to help with your prescriptions and answer queries you may have about managing your cholesterol.
Contact us to get started on a journey toward a happier, healthier heart.
