Increased cholesterol levels can be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, ultimately leading to a heart attack or a stroke. As a precautionary measure, steps should be taken to reduce the elevated LDL cholesterol level in those at risk. The simplest and most effective method is the permanent intake of statins. However, this group of drugs has considerable side effects.
Excessively high levels of unfavourable LDL cholesterol (compared to the favourable HDL cholesterol) pose a risk of arteriosclerosis. A chain reaction can form deposits or plaque that make the vessel walls inelastic and in the worst case, block the flow of blood. To prevent arteriosclerosis, one should work to lower the elevated cholesterol level.
What are the options for lowering cholesterol?
One possibility is a change of lifestyle. A healthy plant-based diet with a reduction in animal fats and a high fibre intake, less alcohol, lots of exercise, and less stress are among them. However, the successes are limited. The simpler and more effective way of taking medicines is therefore more popular. Unfortunately, side effects can occur that affect the liver, intestines, and muscles.
Statins interrupt the body’s own cholesterol synthesis and inhibit the formation of coenzyme Q10.
Statins (CSE inhibitors, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are primarily used to reduce cholesterol. Among the best-known active ingredients are simvastatin, lovastatin and pravastatin. fluvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin. Statins are one of the most important sales drivers for pharmaceutical companies.
Other nutrients that have proven useful include vitamin D. Supplementation can reduce the risk of statin side effects and increase the effectiveness of drugs. The additional intake of selenium, magnesium and B vitamins (e.g. niacin) can also have a beneficial effect on the energy supply in the mitochondria during the use of statin and thus reduce the side effects.
