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People genetically predisposed to high LDL levels, those with cardiovascular problems and those unable to manage their high cholesterol with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise may need to be treated with cholesterol medications. Statins like simvastin or atorvastin are the cholesterol medication of choice for most. Statins are cholesterol lowering drugs that block an enzyme the body needs to produce cholesterol, causing LDL cholesterol levels in the blood to go down. Statins also cause a mild increase in the levels of HDL cholesterol. According to Dr. Pamela Peeke, Assistant Professor at the University of the Maryland School of Medicine, "Statins can lower LDL cholesterol by 20% to 50%." Statins may be prescribed alone or combined with other cholesterol lowering medications for extra effect.
