Most of us think about taking medications to lower lipid levels and reduce our chances of cardiovascular disease associated with high cholesterol. But just as every action has a reaction, an increase in lipid levels is a side effect of several medications you may be taking for other illnesses.
Lipid raising drug: Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants are used during organ transplant surgery to prevent your body from rejecting the new organ. A report at Medscape Today reveals that high post-operative morbidity rates associated with hyperlipidaemia, or increased lipid levels, is due to an across the board boost of lipid levels that is caused by some types of immunosuppressants used. A discussion with your surgeon and doctor can yield a combination of immunosuppressants that put you at the lowest risk of doing additional damage to your body.
Lipid raising drug: Beta blockers
Beta blockers are a popular category of medication commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, glaucoma, and migraine headaches. They work by preventing adrenaline from affecting the cardiovascular system, thus relaxing the heart and reducing force in the system. While many people on beta blockers depend on them, beta blockers do raise triglycerides and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This change is often temporary, and beta blockers are often prescribed in conjunction with a statin to protect your heart and blood vessels.
Lipid raising drug: Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic often prescribed to people with congestive heart failure, liver and kidney disorders, or edema. It works by helping your body shed existing water weight and avoid storing new water. It is also used to treat high blood pressure by reducing the volume of blood in your circulatory system. Using hydrocholothiazide can create an increase of 5% or more in your total blood cholesterol level. This doesn't sound like much, but can be 10 or more points for those with levels already over 200 mg/dL.
Lipid raising drug: Birth control pills
Some studies have shown that oral contraceptives can raise lipid levels, and many of the worst offenders have been taken off the market. This is one reason you shouldn't smoke while on the pill, and need to get your cholesterol checked yearly. If you are worried your contraceptive may be negatively affecting your cholesterol, talk to your doctor about switching to a different brand with a lower level of estrogen, or one of the new non-pill forms available.
Lipid raising drug: Anticonvulsants
Epilepsy is a common nervous system disorder that affects two million people in the United States and over six million people in India. Of the five most popular anticonvulsants prescribed, over time all have shown to greatly reduce the liver's ability to metabolize certain substances, cholesterol being one of them. If you are on a medication for seizure disorders, your doctor will want to check your cholesterol regularly and often to track the effect of the medications on your cardiovascular system.
Recap
There is an art in medicine to balancing the pros and cons of each treatment. Every unnatural thing, and many natural things, you put in your body has positive and negative effect. When the negative effect is an increase in blood cholesterol, the risks can be high. High cholesterol doesn't have symptoms like a headache or nausea. The side-effects are usually seen only after it is too late. It is important to be honest with your doctor about your symptoms, lifestyle habits, and other medications so he or she can help you develop the best plan for your health.
More resources about lipid raising drugs
- Drugs that can raise lipids
- My original article on Helium.com.
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