What is the connection between fenofibrate and atorvastatin?
The main connection between fenofibrate and atorvastatin is that they are used to treat hypercholesterolemia, otherwise known as high cholesterol. They differ in their mechanism of action and potential side effects and can affect different types of cholesterol to different degrees. The selection that the drug to use between fenofibrate and atorvastatin will be made by a medicinal physician, taking into account a number of factors, especially the lipid profile of each patient. Cholesterol is a vital building block in the body and can be divided into three main types called triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density (LDL). HDL is commonly referred to as "good cholesterol" and LDL as "bad cholesterol". If LDL and/or triglycerides levels are too high, this may cause the blood vessels to be blocked. High cholesterol can be caused by genetics, but it can be attributed mainly to the choice of lifestyle.
High cholesterol diagnosis will be made by performing a lipid profile, a simple blood test. Depending on the results, the physician may recommend lifestyle changes independently or a combination of lifestyle changes with drug treatment from one of the cholesterol -reducing drugs such as fibrate, such as fenofibrate and atorvastatin, which is statin. Lifestyle changes that will help reduce cholesterol levels include weight loss, exercise, high -fat diet to healthier, limiting alcohol and smoking.
While both fenofibrate and atorvastatin are used to treat high cholesterol, they work in different ways. Fenofibrate works by increasing the activity of lipoprotein lipase in muscles and adipose tissue. Lipoprotein lipase is an enzyme involved in bFenofibrate decreases LDL and triglycerides when stimulating them, LDL and triglycerides. It can also increase the amount of "good cholesterol", HDL.
Atorvastatin belongs to the group of summerCIV-called HMG-COA or Statinum inhibitors. It works in the liver by blocking this enzyme involved in the production of LDL, thus reducing the quantity and increasing the removal of LDL from the blood. It may also have a small effect in lowering triglycerides and increasing HDL levels.
As with any drug, fenofibrate and atorvastatin can cause adverse side effects, interact with other medicines and be contraindicated in people with some basic conditions. When deciding which fibrates or statins, the doctor prescribes prescribing. Lifestyle changes are always recommended in combination with drug therapy.