What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is the word used to describe the total fats in your blood. Your body needs fat to function effectively and give you energy. Cholesterol fats can be divided into two groups often referred to as bad fat and good fat. Bad fat is Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL Cholesterol) it is obtained by our body from food in our diet such as meat and dairy products. Although this is referred to as bad fat it is essential for providing muscles with the energy they need. Good fat is High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL Cholesterol) it is produced from foods high in omega 3 such as fish oil. This lipoprotein carries excess fat back to the liver to be processed and excreted.

What are Statins?
Statins is the name used to refer to a group of drugs that lower bad cholesterol in your blood thus preventing build up of plaque in the arteries and reducing the risk of a coronary incident. Zocor Heart Pro (Simvastatin) has just been released as a pharmacy only medicine so if you wish to lower your levels of LDL cholesterol you can choose to start taking statins yourself without seeing a doctor. If they are taken on a long-term basis studies have shown that statins can reduce your cholesterol levels by around 27% which may reduce your risk of heart attack by one third after three years treatment. Those most at risk of heart attacks, related to blood clots caused by arteries narrowed by cholesterol, are; men over the age of 55, people who smoke, people with a family history of coronary heart disease, people who are over weight, do not eat a balanced diet or do not exercise.

Co-enzyme Q10 and Statin Drugs
Statin-type drugs prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels obviously have many benefits but are also known to deplete levels of a vitamin-like substance called co-enzyme Q10, particularly at higher statin doses, and in the elderly. Co-enzyme Q10 plays a vital role in the body’s energy supply mechanism, in the conversion of sugars and fat into energy. It is also an important antioxidant within the body, protecting against the damaging effects of free radicals. Co-enzyme Q10 promotes normal cardiovascular and immune function. Depletion of co-enzyme Q10 levels is associated with a lack of energy, and with cardiovascular disease. It is recommended that patients prescribed statin drugs should also take 100mg/day co-enzyme Q10. It is generally very well tolerated, with no significant adverse effects reported in long term use. There are no known toxic effects or drug interactions, and co-enzyme Q10 cannot be overdosed.

Natural Remedies
The following are products which nutritionalists suggest may help lower LDL Cholesterol naturally.

Omega 3 Fish Oil (high in EPA and DHA) may stop the blood forming clots which can block arteries resulting in strokes and heart attacks. Helps to increase HDL levels. Lifestyle recommends MorEPA or Pharma Nord Bio Fish Oil. This is also an important supplement for people who do not have oily fish in their diet.

Garlic is thought to lower total cholesterol levels and stop LDL cholesterol from oxidising; becoming deformed and blocking arteries. If LDL becomes deformed HDL can't get rid of it effectively.
Lifestyle recommends Bio Garlic, Vogel's Swiss Garlic or Hawthorne Garlic complex.

Cynara (Globe Artichoke) contains a group of compounds known as phenolic acids which have the ability to reduce blood cholesterol and lipid levels through their action on the liver.
Lifestyle recommends Vogel's Cynara tincture.

Vitamin E may prevent LDL cholesterol from ‘going off' i.e. becoming rancid and deformed. Works with Q10 in the growth of healthy body tissue. Taken by many heart specialists to maintain a healthy circulatory system.
Lifestyle recommends Pharma Nord Bio Vitamin E.

How We Can Help
Lifestyle Pharmacy’s trained staff can help you decide on the most appropriate treatment for your needs. Home test cholesterol kits are available or you can make an appointment to have your cholesterol tested by one of our trained employees.

For more information on the Statins debate you may like to read the following recently published Telegraph Article. >

If you would like to place an order for postal delivery, please call us on 01225 465576.