Simvastatin (brand name: Zocor) is a cholesterol-lowering medication that belongs to the statin class of drugs. It is currently the third most potent statin on the market. Like other statins, simvastatin affects all aspects of your cholesterol profile: It lowers LDL and triglycerides and raises HDL. Simvastatin is available in a generic form and is sold over-the-counter in the United Kingdom.Simvastatin blocks an enzyme called "3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase," which is an important protein needed in the production of cholesterol.This medication may be taken with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. This medication should not be taken with grapefruits or grapefruit juice, since this can increase the amount of simvastatin in the blood and, therefore, increase the incidence of side effects. Individuals who have had an allergic reaction to simvastatin or any of its components.
Women who are pregnant.
Women who are breastfeeding.
Individuals who have active liver disease or have abnormally liver enzyme levels.
Individuals who have a history of alcohol abuse. The most common side effects include headache, rash, pharyngitis, gastrointestinal problems (such as abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation, or flatulence).The following are serious side effects of simvastatin. If you experience any of these rare side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately: Myopathy - such as progressive muscle soreness or weakness
Red- or brown-colored urine The following drugs may interact with simvastatin, increasing the likelihood of experiencing side effects (especially myopathy). With the exception of cholesterol-lowering drugs listed below, the remaining drugs also increase levels of simvastatin in your body. If you are required to take one of the drugs listed below, your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose, monitor you more closely for side effects, or discontinue one of the drugs: Cholesterol lowering drugs (nicotinic acid, fibrates)
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Danazol (Danacrine)
Antifungal drugs ending in "-azole" (ketoconazole (Nizoral), fluconazole (Diflucan), miconazole (Mycelex), itraconazole (Sporanox))
Antibiotics ending in "-mycin" (erythromycin, clarithromycin (Biaxin))
Nefazodone (Serzone)
High blood pressure medications - diltiazem and verapramil
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
HIV Protease Inhibitors - ritonavir (Norvir), amprenavir (Agenerase), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept)
Efavirenz (Sustiva)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Quinupristin and dalfopristin (Synercid) Warfarin (Coumadin) - may cause blood to not clot as well. Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxide may decrease the concentration of simvastatin in the blood. In order to avoid this interaction, separate your simvastatin dose and antacid dose by at least two hours.
Phenytoin (Dilantin) may cause decreased levels of simvastatin in the blood.
St. John's Wort can lower levels of simvastatin in the blood.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs, like bile acid sequestrants, may reduce the absorption of simvastatin into the blood. In order to avoid this, separate your simvastatin dose and bile acid sequestrant dose by at least four hours. This information is just a brief listing and it not inclusive and should not replace the information provided by your healthcare provider or the manufacturer of this drug.
Sources:
Dipiro JT, Talbert RL. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiological Approach, 6th ed 2005.
Lacy CF, Armstrong LL, Goldman MP, et al. Lexicomp's Drug Information Handbook, 15th ed 2007.
if(zSbL
View the original article here
Thursday, December 22, 2011
What Is a CHD Risk Equivalent?
Definition: A CHD risk equivalent, otherwise known as a coronary heart disease equivalent, is a condition that places you at high risk for experiencing a cardiac event, such as a heart attack. In fact, having one or more of these conditions may place you at the same risk of having a cardiac event as someone who has already experienced one.
The following conditions are considered CHD risk equivalents:
While there are only a few CHD risk equivalents, these should be carefully monitored and controlled. Cholesterol levels are also monitored -- especially since high LDL cholesterol levels could occur in many of these conditions and can contribute to the formation of atherosclerosis. if(zSbL
View the original article here
The following conditions are considered CHD risk equivalents:
While there are only a few CHD risk equivalents, these should be carefully monitored and controlled. Cholesterol levels are also monitored -- especially since high LDL cholesterol levels could occur in many of these conditions and can contribute to the formation of atherosclerosis. if(zSbL
View the original article here
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Home Cholesterol Tests
Since 1993, cholesterol tests have been available over-the-counter at local pharmacies. These cholesterol tests have been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration and have some important advantages including: When used correctly, they are accurate up to 95% of the time.
Readily available--you don't need a prescription to use one.
Relatively inexpensive--the average cost per cholesterol test is about $14.00.However, there are some drawbacks to using a home cholesterol test which can hurt in the long run, including: Many people forget to fast for at least 9 to 12 hours before using a home cholesterol test, which can cause your test results to be much higher than they actually are. Some home cholesterol tests only give you a total cholesterol reading. Therefore, you will be missing vital information about HDL and LDL levels, which give you a true insight into how bad your cholesterol levels might be. Some individuals, when testing high for cholesterol on one of these tests, may be reluctant to get the follow up care they need. In this case, your healthcare provider needs to further test you in order to determine how high your different cholesterol levels and triglycerides truly are and to take the appropriate measures to lower them. There are newer home cholesterol tests that are digital and also seem to be highly accurate. These newer tests also give LDL, HDL, triglyceride, and glucose readings. Whether your results are good or bad -- it is best always follow up with your healthcare provider. That way, he or she can check the accuracy of the test, as well as treat your cholesterol levels if they are truely high. if(zSbL
View the original article here
Readily available--you don't need a prescription to use one.
Relatively inexpensive--the average cost per cholesterol test is about $14.00.However, there are some drawbacks to using a home cholesterol test which can hurt in the long run, including: Many people forget to fast for at least 9 to 12 hours before using a home cholesterol test, which can cause your test results to be much higher than they actually are. Some home cholesterol tests only give you a total cholesterol reading. Therefore, you will be missing vital information about HDL and LDL levels, which give you a true insight into how bad your cholesterol levels might be. Some individuals, when testing high for cholesterol on one of these tests, may be reluctant to get the follow up care they need. In this case, your healthcare provider needs to further test you in order to determine how high your different cholesterol levels and triglycerides truly are and to take the appropriate measures to lower them. There are newer home cholesterol tests that are digital and also seem to be highly accurate. These newer tests also give LDL, HDL, triglyceride, and glucose readings. Whether your results are good or bad -- it is best always follow up with your healthcare provider. That way, he or she can check the accuracy of the test, as well as treat your cholesterol levels if they are truely high. if(zSbL
View the original article here
Generic Cholesterol Drugs
Answer: The monthly cost of your cholesterol-lowering medications can add up, especially if the drug you are taking is not available in a generic form. The cost can grow even more if you are taking additional medications for other conditions besides your high cholesterol. Don’t be so quick to dump your cholesterol meds due to their cost just yet, though. You may not feel sick when your cholesterol is high, but the consequences of stopping your cholesterol medications could add on even more cost. Leaving your cholesterol levels persistently high could result in heart disease if not treated.
The good news is that some of your cholesterol drugs can be obtained in their generic form. This list currently lists all of the cholesterol-lowering medications that are available as generics:
If your drug is not on this list and you are having trouble affording it, talk with your healthcare provider. In some cases, your doctor may be able to switch you to a medication that is available in a generic form or is less costly.
If this is not possible, you do have other options. In some cases, your healthcare provider can write you a prescription for your medication in a higher dose and you can cut the pills in half. For instance, if you take simvastatin 40 mg every day, your healthcare provider can prescribe simvastatin 80mg (with one-half pill taken daily). Although this may cut down on your monthly cost, it does not work with all cholesterol drugs.
If your medication is not available in generic yet, call the manufacturer of that drug. Some drug companies have prescription assistance programs available to you, which will allow you to obtain your medication at no or minimal cost.
Additionally, if you take prescription omega-3 fatty acids (Lovaza) or extended release niacin (Niaspan), talk with your healthcare provider about taking over-the-counter varieties of these medications. Although they are widely available and cheaper than prescription drugs, they may not be right for everyone. Fish oil and niacin over-the-counter products are not equivalent to their prescription counterparts, but they still may be able to help you lower your cholesterol, without putting a huge dent in your pocketbook.
Sources:
MICROMEDEX® Healthcare Series via Thompson Reuters. Accessed 28 January 2009.
Lacy CF, Armstrong LL, Goldman MP, et al. Lexicomp's Drug Information Handbook, 15th ed 2007.
View the original article here
The good news is that some of your cholesterol drugs can be obtained in their generic form. This list currently lists all of the cholesterol-lowering medications that are available as generics:
If your drug is not on this list and you are having trouble affording it, talk with your healthcare provider. In some cases, your doctor may be able to switch you to a medication that is available in a generic form or is less costly.
If this is not possible, you do have other options. In some cases, your healthcare provider can write you a prescription for your medication in a higher dose and you can cut the pills in half. For instance, if you take simvastatin 40 mg every day, your healthcare provider can prescribe simvastatin 80mg (with one-half pill taken daily). Although this may cut down on your monthly cost, it does not work with all cholesterol drugs.
If your medication is not available in generic yet, call the manufacturer of that drug. Some drug companies have prescription assistance programs available to you, which will allow you to obtain your medication at no or minimal cost.
Additionally, if you take prescription omega-3 fatty acids (Lovaza) or extended release niacin (Niaspan), talk with your healthcare provider about taking over-the-counter varieties of these medications. Although they are widely available and cheaper than prescription drugs, they may not be right for everyone. Fish oil and niacin over-the-counter products are not equivalent to their prescription counterparts, but they still may be able to help you lower your cholesterol, without putting a huge dent in your pocketbook.
Sources:
MICROMEDEX® Healthcare Series via Thompson Reuters. Accessed 28 January 2009.
Lacy CF, Armstrong LL, Goldman MP, et al. Lexicomp's Drug Information Handbook, 15th ed 2007.
View the original article here
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Hypolipidemia
Definition: Hypolipidemia is a condition where cholesterol levels are too low in the body. Typically, no symptoms are associated with low cholesterol levels. So this finding is usually discovered during a routine cholesterol screening.
An individual is considered to have hypolipidemia if his total cholesterol levels are below 120 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol levels (also known as your “bad” cholesterol) below 50 mg/dL without the use of cholesterol-lowering medications. There are many causes of low cholesterol levels, including certain heath conditions and inherited conditions.
Source:
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis of Therapy, 18th edition. 2006.
Also Known As: low cholesterolif(zSbL
View the original article here
An individual is considered to have hypolipidemia if his total cholesterol levels are below 120 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol levels (also known as your “bad” cholesterol) below 50 mg/dL without the use of cholesterol-lowering medications. There are many causes of low cholesterol levels, including certain heath conditions and inherited conditions.
Source:
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis of Therapy, 18th edition. 2006.
Also Known As: low cholesterolif(zSbL
View the original article here
Sources Of Soluble Fiber
Including foods high in soluble fiber can play an important role in lowering cholesterol and reducing your risk of heart disease. While there are many foods -- especially fruits and vegetables -- that contain fiber, some foods contain a higher amount of soluble fiber than other foods.
The following foods contain a high amount of soluble fiber, and are therefore wise picks when scanning grocery store shelves for cholesterol lowering foods: plums citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruits pears prunes psyllium seeds oatmeal broccoli carrots lentils brussel sprouts peas, such as chickpeas beans, such as lima beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans Including these foods will not only provide you with soluble fiber, but nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and, in some cases, phytosterols. Phytosterols, which are found in vegetables and fruits, also play an important role in lowering cholesterol.
Sources:
Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (PDF), July 2004, The National Institutes of Heath: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
View the original article here
The following foods contain a high amount of soluble fiber, and are therefore wise picks when scanning grocery store shelves for cholesterol lowering foods: plums citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruits pears prunes psyllium seeds oatmeal broccoli carrots lentils brussel sprouts peas, such as chickpeas beans, such as lima beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans Including these foods will not only provide you with soluble fiber, but nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and, in some cases, phytosterols. Phytosterols, which are found in vegetables and fruits, also play an important role in lowering cholesterol.
Sources:
Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (PDF), July 2004, The National Institutes of Heath: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
View the original article here
Monday, December 19, 2011
What Is Ischemia?
Answer: Ischemia is any condition that prevents blood from reaching organs and tissues of the body. Blood contains oxygen and many nutrients that are vital for proper function of tissues and organs. Without these components, these tissues will begin to die.
Ischemia can affect any organ or area of tissue in the body, including the heart, the brain, and the legs. Ischemia to these areas of the body could cause ischemic heart disease, dementia, and peripheral vascular disease, respectively.
Surprisingly, cholesterol can play an important role in producing ischemia. When the inner walls of arteries become inflamed, cholesterol and other fats can build up, causing the formation of a thick, waxy plaque through a process called atherosclerosis. As the atherosclerotic plaque thickens, it begins to reduce -- or even obstruct -- blood flow to affected areas of the body, including the heart, brain, and other organs.
When ischemia first begins to develop, you may not experience any symptoms. However, as time progresses, the symptoms you may experience will depend on the area where ischemia is located. Symptoms could include:
Dizziness, fainting, and dementia (for ischemia in vessels supplying the brain)Chest pain, fatigue after slight exertion, and shortness of breath (for ischemia in vessels supplying the heart)Intermittent claudication, leg weakness, numbness or tingling of the legs, and cuts on the limbs do not easily heal (for ischemia in vessels supplying the limbs)
Since many other factors, such as low blood pressure, injury, and blood clots, can also produce ischemia, there is no way to totally prevent it. However, by keeping your cholesterol levels within the normal range, you can lower your risk of developing ischemia.
There are many things you can do to help keep your cholesterol levels within a normal range, including:
Getting your cholesterol checked regularlyConsuming a healthy dietModerate exerciseTaking your cholesterol-lowering medications consistently, if prescribed
Sources:
Fauci AC, Kasper DL, Longo DL et al. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th edition, 2008.
View the original article here
Ischemia can affect any organ or area of tissue in the body, including the heart, the brain, and the legs. Ischemia to these areas of the body could cause ischemic heart disease, dementia, and peripheral vascular disease, respectively.
Surprisingly, cholesterol can play an important role in producing ischemia. When the inner walls of arteries become inflamed, cholesterol and other fats can build up, causing the formation of a thick, waxy plaque through a process called atherosclerosis. As the atherosclerotic plaque thickens, it begins to reduce -- or even obstruct -- blood flow to affected areas of the body, including the heart, brain, and other organs.
When ischemia first begins to develop, you may not experience any symptoms. However, as time progresses, the symptoms you may experience will depend on the area where ischemia is located. Symptoms could include:
Dizziness, fainting, and dementia (for ischemia in vessels supplying the brain)Chest pain, fatigue after slight exertion, and shortness of breath (for ischemia in vessels supplying the heart)Intermittent claudication, leg weakness, numbness or tingling of the legs, and cuts on the limbs do not easily heal (for ischemia in vessels supplying the limbs)
Since many other factors, such as low blood pressure, injury, and blood clots, can also produce ischemia, there is no way to totally prevent it. However, by keeping your cholesterol levels within the normal range, you can lower your risk of developing ischemia.
There are many things you can do to help keep your cholesterol levels within a normal range, including:
Getting your cholesterol checked regularlyConsuming a healthy dietModerate exerciseTaking your cholesterol-lowering medications consistently, if prescribed
Sources:
Fauci AC, Kasper DL, Longo DL et al. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th edition, 2008.
View the original article here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)