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What else can I help you with?
What is another name for fluvastatin?
Lescol
What is another name for Lescol?
Fluvastatin
Can HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors be taken by breastfeeding women?
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (such as lovastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin and simvastatin) should not be used by women who are breastfeeding their babies.
Can levoxyl and lescol be taken together?
Levoxyl (levothyroxine) and Lescol (fluvastatin) can generally be taken together, as there are no known direct interactions between the two medications. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before combining any medications to ensure safety and appropriateness based on individual health conditions. Your doctor can provide personalized advice and monitor for any potential side effects.
How many different statins on the market?
As of October 2023, there are several statins available on the market, including atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, and pitavastatin. In total, there are about seven primary statin medications prescribed for lowering cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk. These medications may vary in potency, dosing, and side effects. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding statin use.
Is there a cure for high cholesterol?
Most all drugs have the possibility of producing negative effects. I have a fellow professor at the college I teach at that was on lipitor. When they changed his medication, he developed cancerous tumors within the rib cage. However, because the cancer was not genetically produced, they were able to control it. Always weight out the risks involved, and make sure the physician gives you full disclosure on the medication he/she recommends.
Familial combined hyperlipidemia?
DefinitionFamilial combined hyperlipidemia is a disorder of high cholesterol and high blood triglycerides that is inherited, which means it is passed down through families.Alternative NamesMultiple lipoprotein-type hyperlipidemiaCauses, incidence, and risk factorsFamilial combined hyperlipidemia is the most common genetic disorder of increased blood fats that causes early heart attacks. However, researchers have not yet identified the specific genes responsible.Diabetes, alcoholism, and hypothyroidism make the condition worse. Risk factors include a family history of high cholesterol and early coronary artery disease.SymptomsChest pain (angina) may occur. However, there may not be any physical symptoms.Persons with this condition develop high cholesterol or triglyceride levels during the teenage years. The levels remain high throughout life. They have an increased risk of early coronary artery disease and heart attacks. Those with familial combined hyperlipidemia have a higher rate of obesity and glucose intolerance.Signs and testsBlood tests will be done to check your levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Specific tests include:LDL test(increased)HDL test(decreased)Triglycerides test (increased)Apolipoprotein B100 test (increased)Genetic testing is available for one type of familial combined hyperlipidemia.TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic heart disease.LIFESTYLE CHANGESThe first step is to change what you eat. This is tried for several months before drug therapy is added. Diet changes include reducing total fat intake to less than 30% of the total calories you eat.You can reduce your saturated fat intake by:Decreasing amounts of beef, chicken, pork, and lambSubstituting low-fat dairy products for full-fat onesEliminating coconut and palm oilsYou can reduce your the amount of cholesterol you eat by eliminating egg yolks and organ meats.Dietary counseling is often recommended to help people make these adjustments to their eating habits. Weight loss and regular exercise may also aid in lowering cholesterol levels.See also: Heart disease and dietMEDICATIONSIf lifestyle changes do not change your cholesterol levels, your doctor may recommend medication. There are several types of drugs available to help lower blood cholesterol levels, and they work in different ways. Some are better at lowering LDL cholesterol, some are good at lowering triglycerides, while others help raise HDL cholesterol.The most commonly used and effective drugs for treating high LDL cholesterol are called statins. The include lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), fluvastatin (Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor).Other cholesterol-lowering medicines include:Bile acid-sequestering resinsEzetimibeFibrates (such as gemfibrozil)Nicotinic acidExpectations (prognosis)How well a person does depends on how early the condition is diagnosed, when treatment is received, and whether treatment is followed. Without treatment, heart attack or stroke may cause early death.Some people may have such high lipid levels that an increased risk of heart attack remains despite medical therapy.ComplicationsEarly atherosclerotic heart diseaseHeart attackStrokeCalling your health care providerSeek immediate medical care if you have chest pain or other warning signs of a heart attack.Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have a personal or family history of high cholesterol levels.PreventionA low-cholesterol, low-saturated fat diet in high-risk individuals may help to control LDL levels.If someone in your family has this condition, you may want to consider genetic screening for yourself or your children. Sometimes younger children may have mild hyperlipidemia.It is important to control other risk factors for early heart attacks, such as smoking, if you have this disease.ReferencesGenest J, Libby P. Lipoprotein disorders and cardiovascular disease In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 42.Mahley RW, Weisgraber KH, Bersot TP. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 36.Semenkovich CF. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 217.
High blood cholesterol and triglycerides?
DefinitionThe medical term for high blood cholesterol and triglycerides is lipid disorder. Such a disorder occurs when you have too many fatty substances in your blood. These substances include cholesterol and triglycerides.Alternative NamesLipid disorders; Hyperlipoproteinemia; Hyperlipidemia; Dyslipidemia; HypercholesterolemiaCauses, incidence, and risk factorsA lipid disorder increases your risk for atherosclerosis, and thus for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure (hypertension), and other problems.There are many types of cholesterol. The ones talked about most are:Total cholesterol - all the cholesterols combinedHigh density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol - often called "good" cholesterolLow density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol - often called "bad" cholesterolThere are several genetic disorders (passed down through families) that lead to abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. They include:Familial combined hyperlipidemiaFamilial dysbetalipoproteinemiaFamilial hypercholesterolemiaFamilial hypertriglyceridemiaAbnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels may also be caused by:Being overweight or obese. See: Metabolic syndromeCertain medications, including birth control pills, estrogen, corticosteroids, certain diuretics, beta blockers, and certain antidepressantsDiseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and kidney diseaseExcessive alcohol useFatty diets that are high in saturated fats (found mainly in red meat, egg yolks, and high-fat dairy products) and trans fatty acids (found in commercial processed food products)Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyleSmoking (which reduces HDL "good" cholesterol)Signs and testsSee Coronary risk profile for information on when to be tested.Tests to diagnose a lipid disorder may include:HDL testLDL testLipoprotein-a analysisTotal cholesterol testTriglyceride testTreatmentTreatment depends on your age, health history, if you smoke, and other risk factors for heart disease, such as:DiabetesPoorly controlled high blood pressureFamily history of heart diseaseThe recommended values for adults are different depending on the above risk factors, but in general:LDL: 70-130 mg/dL (lower numbers are better)HDL: more than 40-60 mg/dL (high numbers are better)Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL (lower numbers are better)Triglycerides: 10-150 mg/dL (lower numbers are better)There are steps that everyone can take to improve their cholesterol levels, and help prevent heart disease and heart attack. Here are the most important ones:Eat a heart-healthy diet with plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Avoid saturated fats (found mostly in animal products) and trans-fatty acids (found in fast foods and commercially baked products). Instead, choose unsaturated fatsExercise regularly to help raise your HDL ("good" cholesterol)Get periodic health checkups and cholesterol screeningsLose weight if you are overweightQuit smokingIf lifestyle changes do not change your cholesterol levels enough, your doctor may recommend medication. There are several types of drugs available to help lower blood cholesterol levels, and they work in different ways. Some are better at lowering LDL cholesterol, some are good at lowering triglycerides, while others help raise HDL cholesterol.The most commonly used and most effective drugs for treating high LDL cholesterol are called statins. You doctor will choose one of these: lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), fluvastatin (Lescol), torvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor).Other drugs that may be used include bile acid sequestering resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, fibrates, and nicotinic acid (niacin).Expectations (prognosis)If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, you will probably need to continue lifestyle changes and drug treatment throughout your life. Periodic monitoring of your cholesterol blood levels may be necessary. Reducing high cholesterol levels will slow the progression of atherosclerosis.ComplicationsPossible complications of high cholesterol include:AtherosclerosisCoronary artery diseaseStrokeHeart attack or deathPossible complications of high triglycerides include:PancreatitisCalling your health care providerIf you have high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart disease, make appointments as recommended by your doctor.PreventionCholesterol and triglyceride screening is important to identify and treat abnormal levels. The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force recommends that men age 35 or older and women age 45 or older should have their cholesterol levels checked.To help prevent high cholesterol:Eat a well-balanced, low-fat dietKeep a healthy body weightGet regular exerciseReferencesExpert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. Executive summary of the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) expert panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). JAMA. 2001;285:2486-2497. Updated 2004.U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for lipid disorders in adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ); 2008 Jun.U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Lipid Disorders in Children. US Preventive Services;Task Force recommendation statement. Pediatrics. 2007;120(1):e215-9.Daniels SR, Greer FR; Committee on Nutrition. Lipid screening and cardiovascular health in childhood. Pediatrics. 2008;122(1):198-208.Semenkovich CF. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 217.
Familial hypercholesterolemia?
DefinitionFamilial hypercholesterolemia is a disorder of high LDL ("bad") cholesterol that is passed down through families, which means it is inherited. The condition begins at birth and can cause heart attacks at an early age.See also:Familial combined hyperlipidemiaFamilial hypertriglyceridemiaFamilial dysbetalipoproteinemiaAlternative NamesType II hyperlipoproteinemia; Hypercholesterolemic xanthomatosis; Low density lipoprotein receptor mutationCauses, incidence, and risk factorsFamilial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder caused by a defect on chromosome 19.The defect makes the body unable to remove low density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol from the blood. This results in high levels of LDL in the blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol make you more likely to have narrowing of the arteries from atherosclerosis at an early age. Those with familial hypercholesterolemia are more likely to have a family history of high cholesterol and heart disease at a younger age than normal.The condition is typically passed down through families in an autosomal dominantmanner. That means you only need to get the abnormal gene from one parent in order to inherit the disease.In rare cases, a child may inherit the gene from both parents.When this occurs, the increase in cholesterol levels is much more severe, greatly increasing the risk for heart attacks and heart disease.SymptomsSymptoms that may occur include:Fatty skin deposits called xanthomas over the elbows, knees, buttocks, tendons, and around the cornea of the eyeCholesterol deposits in the eyelids (xanthelasmas)Chest pain (angina) or other signs of coronary artery disease; may be present at a young ageSigns and testsA physical examination may reveal fatty skin growths called xanthomas and cholesterol deposits in the eye (corneal arcus).The doctor will ask questions about your personal and family medical history. There may be:A strong family history of familial hypercholesterolemia or early heart attacksHigh levels of LDL in either or both parentsIndividuals from families with a strong history of early heart attacks should have blood tests done to determine lipid levels.Blood tests may show:High levels of total cholesterol Greater than 300 mg/dL in adultsGreater than 250 mg/dL in childrenHigh LDL levels Greater than 170-200 mg/dL in childrenGreater than 220 mg/dL in adultsNormal level triglyceridesOther tests that may be done include:Studies of cells called fibroblasts to see how the body absorbs LDL cholesterolGenetic test for the defect associated with this conditionTreatmentThe goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic heart disease. Those who inherit only one copy of the defective gene may respond well to diet changes combined with statin drugs.LIFESTYLE CHANGESThe first step is to change what you eat. This is tried for several months before drug therapy is added. Diet changes include reducing total fat intake to less than 30% of the total calories you eat.You can reduce your saturated fat intake by:Decreasing amounts of beef, chicken, pork, and lambSubstituting low-fat dairy products for full-fat onesEliminating coconut and palm oilsYou can reduce your the amount of cholesterol you eat by eliminating egg yolks and organ meats.Dietary counseling is often recommended to help people make these adjustments to their eating habits. Weight loss and regular exercise may also aid in lowering cholesterol levels.See also: Heart disease and dietMEDICATIONSIf lifestyle changes do not change your cholesterol levels, your doctor may recommend medication. There are several types of drugs available to help lower blood cholesterol levels, and they work in different ways. Some are better at lowering LDL cholesterol, some are good at lowering triglycerides, while others help raise HDL cholesterol.The most commonly used and effective drugs for treating high LDL cholesterol are called statins. The include lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), fluvastatin (Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor).Other cholesterol-lowering medicines include:Bile acid-sequestering resinsEzetimibeFibrates (such as gemfibrozil)Nicotinic acidThose with more severe forms of this disorder may need a treatment called extracorporeal apheresis. This is the most effective treatment. Blood or plasma is removed from the body. Special filters then remove the extra LDL-cholesterol, and the blood plasma is then returned.Expectations (prognosis)How well you do greatly depends on whether or not you follow your doctor's treatment recommendations. Diet changes, exercise, and medications can lower cholesterol levels for those with the milder form of this disorder, and may significantly delay a heart attack.Men and women with familial hypercholesterolemia typically are at increased risk of early heart attacks.Risk of death varies among patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Persons who inherit two copies of the defective gene have a poorer outcome. That type of familial hypercholesterolemia causes early heart attacks and is resistant to treatment.ComplicationsHeart attack at an early ageHeart diseaseCalling your health care providerSeek immediate medical care if you have chest pain or other warning signs of heart attacks.Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have a personal or family history of high cholesterol levels.PreventionA diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat and rich in unsaturated fat diet may help to control LDL levels.Counseling is an option for those who have a family history of this condition, particularly if both parents carry the defective gene.ReferencesGenest J, Libby P. Lipoprotein disorders and cardiovascular disease In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 42.Mahley RW, Weisgraber KH, Bersot TP. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 36.Semenkovich CF. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 217.
