Statins

Statins (Lipitor, Crestor, etc.) are the most well-known of cholesterol lowering agents.  They work in your liver by disrupting the synthesis of cholesterol. LOW DOSE statins are often recommended for coronary plaque and are very synergestic with the 4 heart supplements shown on this website.

Statins seem to have gotten a “bad rap”.  Some people have muscle aches when taking statin medication.  This happens frequently with high dose statins.  The key to statins is to use them at LOW DOSAGES.  Also, statins that are hydrophilic or soluable in water tend to have fewer side effects than lipophilic statins or statins that do not dissolve in water. One of the more popular hydrophilic statins is simvastatin.

Anti-Absorptives

If statins do not work for you for any reason, there are alternatives.  Lipid lowering medicines that work on cholesterol mainly in the stomach are called anti-absorptives. Some are called bile acid or bile salt sequestrants.  Some of these work as well or even better than statins.  A few of the more common ones that are good alternatives to statins are Welchol and Zetia.  These, like statins, are available by prescription from your primary care physician.

The products and amounts discussed herein are those supported in respected medical journals and from solid clinical studies. Neither Dr. Blanchet nor Front Range Preventive Imaging endorse, support, sponsor, or distribute any specific brand or product.  Any products mentioned are merely suggestions.  There are others.

Be sure to consult with your physician before starting any diet, exercise, medication, or supplement.