| New cholesterol guidelines for converting healthy people into patients Atorvastatin is a prescription drug in one of the newest classes of cholesterol-lowering medications, called statins. These drugs have been used widely for the last five years. For people with high cholesterol, Atorvastatin, in combination with a low-fat diet, can reduce your LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. How does Atorvastatin work? Atorvastatin works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that your body uses to make cholesterol. When less cholesterol is produced, the liver takes up more cholesterol from the bloodstream. This results in lower levels of cholesterol circulating in your blood. If you think this is written by another internet crackpot, take a look at Dr. Ravnskov's credentials and the reviews of his book. New cholesterol guidelines for converting healthy people into patients Most people will require the starting dose, which is a 10 mg tablet once daily. Your doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for you, which may be 10 mg to 80 mg. Atorvastatin can be taken any time of the day, with or without food. To make it easier to remember to take Atorvastatin you can plan to take it at the same time each day, such as after you brush your teeth in the evening. The amount or how often Atorvastatin is taken should never be changed without consulting your healthcare professional. There is no evidence that too much animal fat and cholesterol in the diet promotes atherosclerosis or heart attacks. For instance, more than twenty studies have shown that people who have had a heart attack haven't eaten more fat of any kind than other people, and degree of atherosclerosis at autopsy is unrelated with the diet. A high blood cholesterol is said to promote atherosclerosis and thus also coronary heart disease. But many studies have shown that people whose blood cholesterol is low become just as atherosclerotic as people whose cholesterol is high. Who should not take Atorvastatin tablets? Some people should not take Atorvastatin. Those with active liver disease or possible liver problems; women who are pregnant, could possibly become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; and people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in LIPITOR. |