Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood that your body needs in small amounts. It helps build cells and make important hormones.
But when there is too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up in your blood vessels and cause serious problems like heart attacks and strokes.
To prevent these health issues, many people take cholesterol-lowering medicines. These drugs help keep blood vessels clear and reduce the risk of heart disease. Researchers at the University of South Australia recently studied how these drugs work and what side effects they might cause.
One of the most common types of cholesterol-lowering drugs is called statins. These medicines are used by millions of people around the world. They are known to be very effective, but they can sometimes cause side effects like an upset stomach.
Interestingly, the study found something new about statins. People who took statins had a larger hippocampus, which is a part of the brain that controls memory. This suggests that statins may help improve memory as people get older, in addition to protecting the heart.
Another type of cholesterol drug is called a PCSK9 inhibitor. These medicines help the body get rid of cholesterol more quickly. But researchers found that they might also affect lung function. This does not mean the drugs are unsafe, but more research is needed to be sure.
The study also found that people taking statins sometimes gained weight and body fat. In men, statins were linked to lower testosterone levels. This hormone is important for mood, energy, and overall health. So, these changes might affect how people feel while taking the medicine.
These findings show that cholesterol drugs can have different effects on different people. That’s why it’s important to work closely with your doctor. For example, if someone already has lung problems, their doctor might choose a different medicine instead of a PCSK9 inhibitor.
This kind of research helps doctors and patients make better choices. Knowing more about how the drugs work, and what side effects they might cause, allows people to pick the treatment that’s best for them.
Even though some side effects were found, cholesterol-lowering drugs are still very helpful for people with high cholesterol. They can lower the risk of serious heart problems and help people live longer, healthier lives.
The study was published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. It gives us new information about how these medicines affect not just the heart, but also the brain, lungs, weight, and hormones.
If you’re taking cholesterol medicine or thinking about starting, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor. Ask questions, learn about the benefits and risks, and make a plan that works for your health.
Taking care of your health means staying informed and working together with your healthcare team. With the right information, you can make smart decisions and keep your heart—and your whole body—healthy.
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