Introduction

• According to the American Heart Association, more than 98 million Americans have too high of cholesterol levels. Of those, 34.4 million have high enough cholesterol levels that they need immediate intervention of exercise and, in some cases, medication. The most commonly used medication for high cholesterol are statins.
  
  

Cholesterol Production

• Cholesterol production starts in the liver. This process of creating cholesterol is regulated by the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. HMG-CoA reductase then works to create another enzyme called mevalonate. Mevalonate is then used to create cholesterol. Cholesterol can then go on to cause serious problems in the arteries and heart, increasing the risk of heart disease and heart attacks.
  
  

Statins

• How statins work in lowering cholesterol is quite simple. The statins enter the body and make their way to the liver. Statins have very similar structure on the molecular level as the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase does. This allows the statin to replace HMG-CoA and limit the amount of mevalonate that is produced in the liver. The less melvalonate that is produced, the less cholesterol that is created.
  
  

Side Effects

• Statin side effects are quite mild compared to other treatment drugs on the market. The only two documented side effects of statins are an elevated liver enzyme count and some amount of muscle pain. Both side effects are rarely seen, and statin is considered a safe drug to use for most people. Talk with your doctor for further information on how statins may help your cholesterol levels.