Hyperlipidemia (high blood levels of fats or lipids) is one of the main risk factors for atherosclerosis. A hypolipidemic agent, also called antihyperlipidemic agent, helps reducing fats in the blood to normal levels.
Some hypolipidemic agents, such as cholestyramine and colestipol, bind to bile acids (salts or glycines that carry cholesterol) in the intestine and prevent their reabsorption into the bloodstream. To compensate for this effect, the liver converts more cholesterol into bile acids, resulting in lower blood cholesterol.
Other hypolipidemic agents, such as statins, lipid decrease lipidemia by inhibiting the conversion of fatty acids to fats, which is usually done in the liver.
Choosing the perfect medication depends partly on existing fat abnormalities and their severity.
Examples of hypolipidemic agents: atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, silmvastatine, bezafibrate, cholestyramine, clofibrate, colestipol.
Cardiovascular drug groups:
Diuretics | Beta Blockers | Calcium Channel Blockers | ACE Inhibitors | Centrally Acting Adrenergic Drugs | Peripherally Acting Adrenergic Drugs | Nitrates | Hypolipidemic Agents | Cardiac Glycosides | Antithrombotics