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What Are The Medicinal Properties Of Atorvastatin And Simvastatin?

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Posted on Wed, 29 Nov 2017
Question: looking to find out about atorvastatin and simvastatin please xxx
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that these two drugs are a little different in their efficacy in reducing LDL levels and that of increasing HDL levels (which is a protecting factor.

In different studies have concluded that they have similar effects on atherosclerosis.

Simvastatin is more helpful in increasing HDL levels (good cholesterol) compared to Atorvastatin, while Atorvastatin is more helpful in reducing LDL levels (bad cholesterol) compared to Simvastatin.

All the studies have concluded that Simvastatin is better tolerated, as patients experience less adverse effects compared to those taking Atorvastatin.

I can not predict the progression of atherosclerosis (blood vessel narrowing and blockage)only based on the statin and its dose, because, you should know that this is a very complex disorder, which depends on many risk factors, besides dyslipidemia (uncontrolled hypertension, smoking contacts, age, diabetes if present, gender, family history, alcohol intake, diet, etc..).

Regarding Simvastatin therapy, I would just recommend checking periodically (every 3 months), your blood lipid profile, in order to be sure that the dyslipidemia is under control.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (42 hours later)
dear dr is there some thing you can suggest that is safer than atorvastatin what about cho/leff a friend has two 70 percent blockages sense he already has had open heart surgery now they want to put him on cumaden i was told that there is some meds that are very good but hard to get my doctor said my body has started to reroute the blood around through the smaller vessels can that just work and let it go also i feel this could have been addressed two years ago when i had a thaluim stress test and the dr said the scan machine showed a partial blockage but he thought the machine malfunctioned because i ran for 11 min without a problem please help me out with this problem he never really told me how bad the blockage is i do feel weaker than normal thanks XXXXXXX t
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

As I explained above, it is necessary to know the blood lipid profile in order to make the proper treatment choices.

I would like to know your actual blood lipid profile.

As I explained above, blood vessel narrowing and coronary artery disease, is not just related to dyslipidemia. There are a lot of cardio-vascular risk factors (as above mentioned), which contribute in the progression of this disorder.

If dyslipidemia is presen (based on Total cholesterol/HDL ratio and LDL/HDL ratio), it should be treated. Statins are a treatmet option. Other treatment options are Zetia.
Some natural ways to lower your cholesterol levels would be:

- reduce fat intake
- take a lot of omega 3 fatty acids (walnuts, fish oil, olive oil, etc.)
- perform aerobics
- try to reduce your weight if you are overweight.

Hope to have clarified some of your uncertainties!

Wishing good health,

Dr. Iliri
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9535 Questions

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What Are The Medicinal Properties Of Atorvastatin And Simvastatin?

Brief Answer: I would explain as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would explain that these two drugs are a little different in their efficacy in reducing LDL levels and that of increasing HDL levels (which is a protecting factor. In different studies have concluded that they have similar effects on atherosclerosis. Simvastatin is more helpful in increasing HDL levels (good cholesterol) compared to Atorvastatin, while Atorvastatin is more helpful in reducing LDL levels (bad cholesterol) compared to Simvastatin. All the studies have concluded that Simvastatin is better tolerated, as patients experience less adverse effects compared to those taking Atorvastatin. I can not predict the progression of atherosclerosis (blood vessel narrowing and blockage)only based on the statin and its dose, because, you should know that this is a very complex disorder, which depends on many risk factors, besides dyslipidemia (uncontrolled hypertension, smoking contacts, age, diabetes if present, gender, family history, alcohol intake, diet, etc..). Regarding Simvastatin therapy, I would just recommend checking periodically (every 3 months), your blood lipid profile, in order to be sure that the dyslipidemia is under control. Hope you will find this answer helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri