What High Cholesterol Levels Are And How They Are Treated

Cholesterol is necessary for our cells normal functioning. It is divided into two categories: low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein. While the latter is considered good, the former is mostly known as "bad cholesterol".

A wax-like substance called cholesterol is necessary for our cells normal functioning. There are two groups of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein, and while the latter is considered good, the former is mostly known as "bad cholesterol". Actually it turns bad only when it is in excess, when it deposits itself on the arteries' walls and causes them to narrow, which makes them unable to carry sufficient amount of blood. All our organs need the blood to function properly and when they don't receive it, the risks of heart attack, stroke and many other complications are very high. The high blood cholesterol level doesn't have any signs and can be discovered through blood tests. These tests can be part of a routine checkup or can be done once a patient has been diagnosed with certain diseases.

The main factors that are considered to contribute to high levels of cholesterol are sedentary lifestyle, hereditary predisposition as well as being overweight. Age is also a factor and even though elder men and women are much more likely to develop high LDL levels, the latest researches have suggested that even young people have a lot to worry about, should check their cholesterol levels, and if they are higher than normal should start treating them promptly.

The typical high LDL levels are managed with the help of chemical drugs such as the Pravastatin 20 mg and Lipitor 10 mg, specific diet and exercise plan if the person's health permits it. Both Lipitor 10 mg and Pravastatin 20 mg are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), which are so commonly used in the developed countries that many scientists consider that they are the top-selling medicines ever. Nevertheless, as with all other drugs, they should be taken only if recommended by a qualified physician and the treatment course should be followed to the letter. The generic version of both medications can be easily found online and if purchased from well-known drugstore, you are guaranteed to receive the same medicine as the trade name pills at much better price. Another great benefit of buying either Pravastatin or Lipitor on-line is the fact that the pills are discreetly delivered to your house by mail and your privacy is respected.

How long will it take to lower the LDL levels?

When using Lipitor 10mg or Pravastatin 20mg, the initial results are observed only after a few weeks time and except for the taking the recommended doses regularly, dieting and exercising play a vital factor as well. During this period, your doctor is likely to ask for regular testing, which will let him find out if you have made any advance. In most circumstances, bringing your LDL level below 200 is excellent achievement, but if you have a higher risk of heart attack, then LDL level below 100 is strongly desirable. However, do not take these numbers as the ultimate goal as your doctor is the only one that can determine what is good for you.

If you are older than 50, have history of high cholesterol in your family, smoke cigarettes or experience high blood pressure, it is recommended to get tested. If you have just found out that you should bring down your LDL level, rest assured that with healthy diet, effective drugs like Lipitor 10mg or Pravastatin 20mg and some discipline, you can achieve that and reduce the risks of stroke and heart problems.