Understanding the Benefits of Taking Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin calcium is one of the most widely known statins in the world, a class of drugs also called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors that works by lowering “bad” cholesterol and increasing “good” cholesterol in the blood. This helps reduce the risks of strokes and heart attacks, especially when taken along with proper diet and exercise.
Lipitor was the first Atorvastatin drug to be approved for use in 1996 and it’s also considered one of the best-selling medications of all time.
In 2006 alone, Pfizer reported record-breaking drug sales for Lipitor in the United States reaching over $13 billion. Although Pfizer lost its patent for Atorvastatin, it’s still widely prescribed by doctors in the country until today.
The health benefits of taking Atorvastatin
More than 35 million Americans take statins, most of whom are prescribed Atorvastatin being one of the most popular prescription drugs of its kind. Here are some of the many benefits of taking Atorvastatin medication for patients:
- Taking Atorvastatin benefits the body’s cholesterol levels.
Atorvastatin works primarily by reducing low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood. But unlike other drugs, it also works by increasing high density lipoprotein (HDL) to promote better cardiovascular health.
This is made possible by blocking the enzyme that triggers cholesterol production in the liver, which produces 75% of the body’s cholesterol. According to cardiologist Dr. Richard N. Fogoros, statins like Atorvastatin “work better than any other cholesterol treatment.”
- Taking Atorvastatin benefits the heart.
Aside from lowering bad cholesterol levels, other benefits of taking Atorvastatin also helps protect the heart even before cholesterol levels start to fall. As the liver produces less bad cholesterol, it also absorbs more cholesterol from the blood, which further reduces bad cholesterol levels.
But more than that, scientists have discovered that statins also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could help protect the arterial wall from the damages caused by bad cholesterol.
- Taking Atorvastatin benefits the arteries.
Benefits of taking Atorvastatin has also been proven to help improve cardiovascular function by allowing the arteries to widen more so they can carry more blood to the heart and other tissues.
The drug also prevents further plaque buildup in the arteries to keep them from rupturing and triggering a heart attack. Statins are also known for inhibiting platelets that promote blood clotting.
This helps reduce the chances of artery-blocking clots that could trigger a stroke or heart attack. The drug also helps reduce the thickness or viscosity of the blood to facilitate smooth blood flow even in partially blocked arteries.
A lot of cardiologists prefer the benefits of taking Atorvastatin for their patients because of what they call its “pleiotropic effects,” which means that these group of drugs can have multiple effects on the body, especially in helping to reduce the risks of heart diseases that could lead to surgery and strokes.
Some of the most common cardiovascular and neurological diseases where Atorvastatin is prescribed include:
- Coronary artery disease
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Hypertension
- Aortic stenosis
- Arrhythmias
- Heart failure
- Cardiac arrest
- Stroke
- Mood disorders
- Dementia
Before prescribing Atorvastatin, doctors also look into a patient’s medical and family history, previous treatments, other pre-existing conditions and possible adverse effects.
Atorvastatin is also most effective when it is taken together with a healthy diet, regular exercise and other lifestyle changes that help maximize its effects on the body and reduce possible side effects.
With heart disease being the leading cause of death in Americans, Atorvastatin and other statin drugs are very useful in reducing the chances of cardiac arrests, strokes and other related events by up to 37%, especially in men who are more at risk for developing these conditions.
Call Us 1-313-724-1111
Call us today at 1-313-724-1111 to see how much money we can save you on your prescription medications. Free delivery in Dearborn Heights Michigan.
This article provides general information and discussions about health and related topics. The information and other content provided in this article, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This article does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other professional health care advice, diagnosis or treatment. We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this article or website.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read in this article, website or in any linked materials. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or call for emergency medical help on the nearest telephone immediately.
Article References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol/statins-pros-cons#side-effects
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-841/atorvastatin-oral/details