Blood Cholesterol

• Blood cholesterol - a waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver.
• Blood Cholesterol - the body needs it to perform important jobs, such as making hormones and digesting fatty foods.
• Low-density lipoprotein - or “BAD” cholesterol. Having high levels of this can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries and result in heart disease or stroke.
• High-density lipoprotein - or “GOOD” cholesterol. It is known as “good” cholesterol because high levels of it can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Triglycerides - a type of fat in the blood that the body uses for energy. \
• The combination of high levels of triglycerides with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol levels can increase the risk for heart attack and stroke.
• Total cholesterol - the total amount of cholesterol in the blood based on HDL, LDL, and triglycerides numbers.
• Hyperlipidemia – this is a condition wherein the total cholesterol is above 200 mg/dL.
• Causes of high blood cholesterol

  Type 2 diabetes

  Obesity
• LIPID LOWERING AGENTS – these medications are used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels when diet and exercise alone have not lowered them enough.
• STATINS (LIPID LOWERING AGENTS)

  Atorvastatin

  Simvastatin

  Pravastatin

  Fluvastatin

  Lovastatin

  Vytorin(Zocor and Zetia)

  Trilipix (Niacin and Lipitor)
• NICOTINIC ACID (LIPID LOWERING AGENTS)

  Niacin
• CHOLESTEROL ABSORPTION INHIBITOR (LIPID LOWERING AGENTS)

  Ezetimibe
• S/E FOR LIPID LOWERING AGENTS

  • Muscle pain
  • Flushing
  • Tingling
  • Sensation of warmth when first start taking it
  • Feeling of fatigue
  • Allergic reactions such as hives, rash, or trouble breathing
  • Extreme weakness in the arms and legs
  • Liver and kidney failure
• LIPID LOWERING DRUGS

  Extended-release drugs should not be crushed.
• LIPID LOWERING DRUGS

  Periodic blood tests are required. These drugs can affect the liver.