A friend recently told me that his physical examination revealed elevated cholesterol levels. His doctor explained that excessively high cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and recommended cholesterol-lowering medication. However, my friend is neither overweight nor has any preexisting cardiovascular diseases. In this scenario, should he consider taking the medication? What are the potential side effects of cholesterol-lowering statin medications? This article will delve into these topics in detail.
When to Take Cholesterol Medication
Cholesterol, a waxy substance in the bloodstream, plays a crucial role in transporting fats to various body parts and returning excess fats to the liver for storage. It is also an essential nutrient for cell and hormone production.This may seem paradoxical, as cholesterol is vital for the body, yet high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
