High Cholesterol

The Basics of Saturated Fat

All of our body’s cells have cholesterol, a type of fat, in their outer layers. There are two types: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein).

HDL is widely considered to be beneficial. It removes fat from the blood, taking it to the liver where it is processed and removed. On the other hand, LDL causes health problems. Too much can cause fatty deposits to form in the arteries. This restricts blood flow, increasing the chance of heart disease or stroke.

When a doctor tells a patient they have high levels of cholesterol, they mean that there is too much LDL and too little HDL or that the total HDL and LDL is raised. If this is the case, treatment may be necessary to prevent serious health risks, particularly if blood pressure is raised, there is a family history of heart disease, or if the patient has diabetes.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Scientific studies show that many adults suffer from high LDL levels. The human body makes this on its own as it is found within cells. There are some genetic disorders which result in too much being created. There are also medical conditions which contribute, such as an underactive thyroid, diabetes, or kidney and liver disease.

The major factor for increased cholesterol is diet. Foods such as red meat, hard cheeses, butter and cream can raise the LDL levels within your body as can pastries, biscuits and cakes. This afore-mentioned foods list may produce signs and symptoms of high cholesterol in men. Little or no exercise can further exacerbate this problem. Those who are obese may be more likely to suffer from this condition.

Treatment and Medication

One of the most effective solutions to combating this issue is to simply change your diet, ensuring that the food you eat is low in saturated fat. Plenty of fruits and vegetables will certainly help here. Furthermore, try to exercise on a regular basis. This will burn off some excess fat as well.

If this does not lower your cholesterol levels significantly, there are also some medications which have proven to be effective. Simvastatin, Lipitor (Atorvastatin) and Zocor are the most common solutions to those looking for a way to lower the amount of LDL in their bodies. When combined with a better diet and added exercise, these medicines can result in dramatic changes, decreasing the amount of saturated fat in your body quite rapidly.

Online Advice for All

Through Prescription2Home, you can consult with a qualified doctor or pharmacist about the reasons for high cholesterol and the link between the causes and effects. After talking to our practitioners, you can also receive a prescription if necessary. On approval, your medicine will be dispensed and sent over to you. Orders received before 3.30pm Mondays to Fridays will be despatched the same day, and can be delivered directly to your address the next day.

You can also browse over treatment information by clicking on the appropriate images on this page. Please make an inquiry via the buttons on the right, and our doctors will respond as soon as possible. Once you know which treatment is suitable, you can then consult with our team of online medical practitioners.

When you have considered the full range of treatment options and think you know which treatment is right for you, please select one of the treatments from this page and progress to the online consultation.

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Facts about Cholesterol

Lipitor

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A popular solution for patients with high cholesterol levels, Lipitor works to decrease the production of so called ‘bad cholesterol’ or LDL. Usually, high cholesterol is treated with a 10mg dosage of Lipitor once a day, along with lifestyle changes where appropriate to ensure cholesterol reduction. The drug is more effective than simvastatin at reducing cholesterol, leading to lower dosages being used and less side-effects.

 

Simvastatin

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Simvastatin is a prescription treatment for high cholesterol, which works to lower the cholesterol posing a threat of cardiovascular disease, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. It can be prescribed as a tablet in a number of dosages, ranging from 10mg to 80mg.

 

Zocor

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Zocor is a prescription high cholesterol treatment, which works to lower the cholesterol posing a threat of cardiovascular disease, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. It can be prescribed as a tablet in a number of dosages, ranging from 10mg to 80mg.