Fighting Bad Cholesterol With Crestor

Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) is prescribed for reducing the high amount of bad cholesterol in the blood. It thereby reduces the overall cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B (a type of protein, which is needed to make cholesterol). What's also advantageous about Crestor is it actually increases the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. In the name of fighting deposition of fatty tissues in the walls of large and medium-sized blood arteries, which lead to atherosclerosis (thickening, scarring, and calcification of inner arterial walls), coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, taking of Crestor should never be done without first consulting with your doctor. Treating and managing high cholesterol should be done in conjunction with knowing about all the possible side effects of ingesting Crestor, not only for people who have a history of taking other medications, but also for others who are nursing, pregnant, partakes in regular or exessive alcohol consumption, or have liver problems.

High cholesterol in the bloodstream causes fatty deposits inside the arteries, making these arteries lose their natural elasticity, narrowing the passage of blood flow, resulting in possible blockages, and increased blood pressure. This also puts the heart into a state of overdrive. For some people, regular exercises and good dieting can help prevent the buildup of blood cholesterol and even remove the plague that is already formed. However, Crestor is normally used when exercise and diets cannot sufficiently reduce the cholesterol levels. What Crestor does then is reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver, cutting off bad cholesterol production by about half (52% at the 10-mg dose versus 7% with placebo; your results may vary).

Because Crestor works on the liver, people who are either having liver problems, or are regularly consuming alcoholic beverages, are best advised to take precautions by working closely with their doctor. If you are pregnant or about to get pregnant, please avoid Crestor or rosuvastatin in any of its forms. This is known to cause birth defects to unborn babies. While it not known whether this drug will pass into breast milk, or if would be harmful to a nursing baby, it is better to take a precautionary stance.

If you have any history of blood disorders, chronic muscular disease, hypothyroidism, kidney problems, or you will need to have major surgery, you will need to see your physician before taking Crestor.

You will need to have your medications adjusted and closely monitored if you have any of the above-mentioned conditions. You must also let you doctor or pharmacist know what other prescription or over-the-counter medicines you are taking, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. For any of these medicines may have adverse interaction with Crestor.

Most medications, such as Crestor, have a possibility of side effects. If you notice any muscle or liver problems, such as unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or yellowing within the eyes or skin, you will want to contact your physician immediately. Other side effects might include nausea, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, headache, allergic reactions, fatigue, darker urine, and light colored stools.

Disclaimer: This article should not be substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Crestor.

About The Author-- Copyright © 2006. The article on this page about Crestor submitted by Mrs. Heather Colman from: crestor-shoppe.info.

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