Satins are pharmacuetical drugs that work by restricting the enzyme HMG CoA reductase. This is an enzyme which regulates how fast a rate cholesterol is produced in the body. By slowing down production of this enzyme, statins are able to lower LDL cholesterol levels more efficiently than many of the other cholesterol drugs on the market.

Actually, some studies have concluded that these cholesterol-lowering drugs can lower bad cholesterol by up to 60%, which can be good news for people with highly raised LDL-cholesterol. Some studies have also shown that Statins may contribute to lowering triglyceride levels and even slightly raising HDL cholesterol levels.

The statins most used today are lovastatin (Merck's Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor from Pfizor) and simvastatin (Zocor). All the aforementioned benefits make statins among the most commonly used drugs for lowering cholesterol. The pharmacuetical company Merck is even trying to get approval from the FDA to sell their cholesterol drug Mevacor over the counter

If you take statins to lower your cholesterol, you can expect to see results in a few weeks. You need to take your medications with food, at night.

Although statins have less adverse side effects than many other cholesterol-lowering drugs, some patients may experience cramps, gas, stomach upset, constipation and other digestive problems. In many cases, these symptoms go away by themselves or at least become less severe as the body adjusts to the statins. In some case, your doctor may suggest taking a lower dosage in order to control side effects.

More serious problems from statins include the risks of muscle problems and liver complications. Such issues are quite rare in patients who take statins, but if you notice any pain or unusual symptoms while taking statins, you will want to seek medical help right away.

Antoinette Boulay is writes about cholesterol treatments at http://www.xp9.biz, where you can read tips about how to lower cholesterol.