Medications are often prescribed to combat the progression of Coronary Artery Disease however, they all work by reducing the affects of modifiable Risk Factors. Common medications prescribed are:
-Commonly known as Statins
Due to high cholesterol being one of the most common causes of CAD, I will specifically highlight them. These medications to better cholesterol levels (called Statins) are commonly prescribed to prevent build ups on the walls of arteries. With the ability to maintain your cholesterol within the recommended values below, you can decrease the risk of CAD as well as stroke, heart attack and death.
Types of cholesterol Good ranges Average Statin Effect
Common Statin names are: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Fluvastatin ( Lescol, Lescol XL), Simvastatin (Zocor),
Some Considerations When Taking Statins
- Anticoagulants
- ACE inhibitors, ARBs
- Beta Blockers
- Cholesterol - Modifying Medications
-Commonly known as Statins
- Nitroglycerin
Due to high cholesterol being one of the most common causes of CAD, I will specifically highlight them. These medications to better cholesterol levels (called Statins) are commonly prescribed to prevent build ups on the walls of arteries. With the ability to maintain your cholesterol within the recommended values below, you can decrease the risk of CAD as well as stroke, heart attack and death.
Types of cholesterol Good ranges Average Statin Effect
- Total Cholesterol Below 200 mg/dL
- LDL Below 70 mg/dL Decrease 21% - 63%
- Triglycerides Below 150 mg/dL Decrease 6% - 43%
- HDL (Good Cholesterol) Above 40 mg/dL Increase 5% - 22%
Common Statin names are: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Fluvastatin ( Lescol, Lescol XL), Simvastatin (Zocor),
Some Considerations When Taking Statins
- Statins should be taken at night since that is when cholesterol synthesis normally occurs.
- Treatment with Statins is lifelong to prevent return of negative effects of cholesterol.
- Statins should not be taken if you have liver disease or are pregnant.
- Check with you doctor if Statins shouldn't be taken with your other medications.
Potential Side Effects
- Headache
- Rash
- Gi disturbances
- Liver toxicity
- Myopathy
- Rhabdomyolysis (symptoms are muscle aches, tenderness and weakness)
- Increased blood sugar that could lead to type 2 diabetes
- Memory loss
- Confusion