Cholesterol is a kind of fat that moves through our blood. Our bodies need some cholesterol to stay healthy. It helps build cells and make hormones.
But too much cholesterol can be a problem. It can clog up our blood vessels, just like a drain gets blocked. This can cause serious problems like heart attacks or strokes.
To stop this from happening, many people take medicine to lower their cholesterol levels. One of the most common types is called statins. More than 200 million people around the world take them. These medicines help reduce the risk of heart problems.
But a recent study from the University of South Australia shows that not all cholesterol medicines are the same. The study looked at two kinds: statins and a newer type called PCSK9 inhibitors.
Statins have been around for a long time. Most people who take statins see good results. They help protect the heart and may even help with other age-related issues. Some people might get side effects like stomach upset or diarrhea.
But there was an interesting finding—statins might help keep your memory sharp. People who took them had a slightly bigger hippocampus, a part of the brain that helps with memory.
On the other hand, PCSK9 inhibitors are newer drugs. They work by helping the body clear out cholesterol from cells. But the researchers found something that might be a concern. These drugs might affect how well your lungs work. This doesn’t mean they are unsafe, but it does mean scientists need to study them more before we know for sure.
Another finding was about weight and energy. Some people who took statins gained a little weight and had more body fat. Some men also had lower testosterone, a hormone that affects mood and energy levels. This might explain why some people feel more tired when taking statins.
So why does all of this matter? Because medicine is like a tool. It can fix a problem, but if we don’t use it the right way, it might cause other problems. Knowing more about how medicines work and who they affect helps doctors choose the best one for each person.
Kitty Pham, the researcher who led the study, says that these results help us understand how different bodies respond to different medicines. For example, if someone already has lung issues, their doctor might avoid using PCSK9 inhibitors.
In the end, more knowledge means better choices. It’s important to talk to your doctor, ask questions, and stay informed. Your health is a team effort, and you are part of that team.
The study was published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
If you care about health, please read studies about the benefits of low-dose lithium supplements, and what we know about egg intake and heart disease.
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