Lipitor & Heart Disease

With cholesterol-lowering medications such as Lipitor, many people can take control of their cardiac health and live longer, healthier lives. Medications aren't a miracle cure, however, and should be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle to have the greatest effect.

Statistics

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women worldwide, including those in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. The American Heart Association has estimated that in 2009, approximately 785,000 Americans will have their first heart attack, and 470,000 will have a recurrent attack. One American dies every minute due to a coronary event. Statistics like these have many Americans doing what they can to prevent heart disease.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is a blanket term interchangeable with the term cardiovascular disease. It is used to describe conditions that can lead to heart attack, stroke or chest pain. Heart disease also includes infections and conditions that affect the heart's valves, muscle and beating rhythm. Risk factors of heart disease include family history, age, smoking, poor diet, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high stress, physical inactivity and poor hygiene.

Lipitor

Lipitor is a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol by blocking its production. It reduces total cholesterol in the blood, including the LDL cholesterol, also known as the bad cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol helps prevent hardening of the arteries and heart disease. Lipitor treats high cholesterol and lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart problems in people with type 2 diabetes or coronary heart disease. If you are considering taking Lipitor, inform your doctor if you have any drug allergies or if you have under-active thyroid, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or muscle disorders. Pregnant women should not take Lipitor, as it may cause birth defects in the unborn baby. You should not drink while taking Lipitor, as alcohol may damage your liver when combined with the medication.

Lipitor Side Effects

Common side effects of Lipitor include stomach pain, mild nausea, heartburn, bloating, constipation, gas, stuffy nose, headache, itching and skin rash. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the more serious side effects of Lipitor, such as muscle pain, weakness, tenderness, fever, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice or clay-colored stools. Seek emergency help if you experience any allergic reactions from using this medication.

Other Heart Disease Medications

Other medications used to treat and prevent heart disease include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, blood thinning medications, and cholesterol-lowering medications. If you are currently a heart disease patient, or if you are at a high risk of developing heart disease, discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

Prevention

While medications may help prevent and treat heart disease, there are many things that you can do at home to keep your heart as healthy as possible. Preventative measures, such as not smoking, daily physical activity, healthy eating habits, maintaining a healthy weight, good hygiene and reducing your stress, can all help you combat heart disease.