Cholesterol is a fatty substance that travels through our blood. Our bodies actually need some cholesterol to stay healthy.
It helps build cell walls and make hormones. But too much cholesterol is not good. It can build up in blood vessels, making them narrow or blocked, like clogged pipes. This can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
To lower the risk of these health problems, some people take medicine to reduce cholesterol levels. These medications help keep the blood vessels clear, which protects the heart and brain.
Recently, researchers at the University of South Australia looked more closely at how these cholesterol medicines work and what side effects they may cause. Their study focused on common drugs like statins and newer ones like PCSK9 inhibitors.
Statins are one of the most popular cholesterol medicines. They lower cholesterol and are often used to prevent heart disease. But this new study found something extra—people who took statins had a slightly larger hippocampus.
The hippocampus is a part of the brain that is important for memory. This finding suggests that statins might help protect memory in older adults, which is very good news.
However, the study also found that people who took statins sometimes gained weight and increased their body fat. In some men, statins also lowered testosterone levels. Low testosterone can affect energy levels, mood, and other parts of health.
The researchers also studied PCSK9 inhibitors. These are newer drugs that help the body get rid of cholesterol. They are often used when statins don’t work well enough.
There was a possible link between these drugs and changes in lung function, but more research is needed to be sure. This finding means doctors should be careful when giving these drugs to people with lung problems.
Even though these medications help lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects. Upset stomach is a common one, but weight gain, hormone changes, and effects on the lungs are also worth watching.
This study helps doctors and patients make better decisions. If someone already has health issues, like lung disease, their doctor may choose a different medicine that works better for them.
The most important message is that people should work closely with their doctors. Ask questions. Talk about your health history and concerns. Medications can help, but they are not perfect. Knowing both the benefits and the risks can help you take better care of your body.
This new research was published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. It helps us understand more about the effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs and shows why it’s important to keep learning about the medicines we take.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk, and herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease and cancer, and results showing strawberries could help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
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