The Effects of Statin Drugs on Cholesterol
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a substance made in the liver that is found in the lipids (fats) in your blood and in the cells throughout your body. It is necessary for many functions including maintaining a healthy immune system, producing hormones, and maintaining optimal neurological (brain) function.
Types of cholesterol
HDL – High -density lipoproteins are commonly known as good cholesterol. Hdl is composed of more protein and less cholesterol. It moves through the blood freely and helps clear excess arterial fat.
LDL – Low –density lipoproteins are known as the “bad” cholesterol. LDL’s contain more fat and cholesterol and less protein. They stick to the walls of the artery and can eventually clog them.
TRYGLYCERIDES – fat in the blood. Too much tryglycerides in the blood increase your risk for heart disease.
A standard lipid profile test will measure your total cholesterol, the amount of HDL, LDL, and tryglycerides in your blood. However, there are people who have a normal lipid profile and later develop heart disease.
The VAP test is a better predictor of your risk of Coronary heart disease. Along with the HDL, LDL, and tryglyceride levels, It takes into account LDL particle size (large buoyant particles are preferred because they move more freely through the blood than small dense particles), VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) levels, and types of HDL that are indicative of less risk for coronary heart disease.
