How statin drugs work

Many people find that diet and exercise alone may not be effective in lowering cholesterol levels, particularly low density lipoprotein (LDL), which is commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol. When too much LDL circulates in the blood, it can mix with other substances and eventually form a thick, hard deposit that builds up on the wall of arteries. This plaque can make arteries less flexible and also restrict blood flow so much that a heart attack or stroke may occur. To combat LDL when weight loss and other methods of cholesterol reduction do not work, statin drugs are often prescribed to help.

Statin drugs work by bocking a key enzyme responsible for the formation of cholesterol, a natural byproduct of the liver called HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl COA) reductase. This inhibits the liver's ability to produce LDL. Some statins also may help increase HDL levels. Doctors may require routine blood tests to determine if statin drugs are effective in reducing cholesterol levels. Some people have seen a reduction in LDL by 20 to 50 percent from taking statins.

It's important to note that statins do have some side effects. The most immediate are gastrointestinal effects, such as cramps, abdominal pain and constipation. Some people experience rare muscle weakness and pain. If this occurs, the statins should be stopped. Most people tolerate statins quite well and take to the medication easily. However, pregnant women should not use statins.