Why does cholesterol need to be reduced and how do statins do this?
-High levels of cholesterol (especially LDL's, the 'bad' type) clog the arteries with a thick fatty substance
-This causes narrowing of the coronary arteries (which carry blood to the heart)
-The narrowing and hardening of the arteries is called atheroclerosis
-This can cause heart attacks by restricting blood flow to the heart
-People feel crushing chest pain and often breathing difficulties
-Statins work in the liver to reduce the manufacture of cholesterol, lowering levels in the blood
IP
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