CHOLESTEROL LOWERING DRUGS

Cholesterol is a lipid Starting point for the synthesis of a number of sex hormones Synthesized in the liver by the enzyme hydroxyl-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase)

STATINS
Statins are referred to as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors Block the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making cholesterol BENEFITS Lower LDL level in the blood Reduce the risk of CVDs RISKS Muscle and joint ache, nousea, diarrhoea, constipation, liver damage(rarely)

ANTICOAGULANTS AND PLATELET INHIBITORY DRUGS

Anticoagulants drugs used to prevent clot formation or drugs used to prevent a clot that has formed from enlarging. Block the action of clotting factors or platelets.

Anticoagulants- three types

1. Inhibitors for clotting factor synthesis Inhibit the production of clotting factors in the liver Eg: warfarin-interferes with the manufacture of prothrombin in the body. 2. Inhibitors of thrombin- blocking the activity of thrombin Eg:heparin-Inhibit the formation of clotting factors 3.Antiplatelet drugs-Intract with platelets Eg:Aspirin-Block platelts from aggregating into harmful clots

Benefits
Reduce the ability of the blood to form clots Stops an existing clot from worsening Prevent blood clots from forming after the replacement of a heart valve Reduce the risk of a stroke or a heart attack after a first heart attack Reduce the chance of blood clot forming during open heart surgery or bypass surgery Drug urokinase dissolve existing clot

Increase the risk of severe bleeding and heavy blood lose Aspirin-Irritates the stomach lining and cause bleeding in the stomach If it is not monitored these drug may cause internal bleeding

Life Style changes

o Eat healthy-Reduce hypertension and high blood cholesterol and maintain a healthy weight o Increase physical activity-Helps to lose weight o Quit smoking o Reduce stress

Surgery
Include balloon angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting Balloon angioplasty-Procedure to open blocked or narrowed coronary artery Improve blood flow to the heart , relieve chest pain and prevent heart attack

Balloon Angioplasty