Hypercholesterolemia And Statins Assignment

Running Head: HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA AND STATINS 1
HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA AND
STATINS
Topic 8
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HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA AND STATINS 2
ABSTRACT
Cholesterol is a fatty substance present naturally in the body. Cholesterol is known to
perform several vital functions in the body that is needed for converting certain hormones.
Fats and cholesterols are absorbed in the intestines and then taken to the liver where the fats
get transformed into cholesterol and are released into the bloodstream. There are two types of
cholesterol, that is “low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol” and “high-density lipoprotein
cholesterol”. High levels of “LDL” cholesterol are referred to as “hypercholesterolemia”,
which is linked to atherosclerosis. The benefits of statin drugs in reducing cardiovascular
events has often led to treating “hypercholesterolemia”. Homeostasis of statin leads to a
favorable impact on lipids with a tremendous reduction in fibrinogen and high-sensitivity
CRP levels. The current scope of discussion relates to the normal physiology,
pathophysiology, and pharmacology of “hypercholesterolemia” and statins.
“Hypercholesterolemia” is known to compound several risk factors for cardiovascular
diseases. Lowering its levels by medication interventions such as statins can have significant
improvement in outcomes. Similarly, other non-medical interventions including lifestyle
changes can help improve levels of “LDL” and reduce risks from “hypercholesterolemia”
with its associated comorbidities and mortalities as well.

HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA AND STATINS 3
CONTENTS
Abstract......................................................................................................................................2
Introduction................................................................................................................................4
Pathophysiology.........................................................................................................................4
Pharmacology.............................................................................................................................6
Relevance to practice.................................................................................................................7
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................8
References..................................................................................................................................8

HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA AND STATINS 4
INTRODUCTION
Cholesterol is a fatty substance present naturally in the body. Cholesterol is known to
perform several vital functions in the body that is needed for converting certain hormones.
Fats and cholesterols are absorbed in the intestines and then taken to the liver where the fats
get transformed into cholesterol and are released into the bloodstream. There are two types of
cholesterol, that is “low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol” and “high-density lipoprotein
cholesterol” (Ruel et al, 2018). High levels of “LDL” cholesterol are referred to as
“hypercholesterolemia”, which is linked to atherosclerosis. Normal physiology of
“hypercholesterolemia” is when a patient has elevated levels of “LDL” cholesterol. Patients
with the genetic disposition of high cholesterol are often given cholesterol-lowering
medication such as statins for decreasing risks. The benefits of statin drugs in reducing
cardiovascular events have often led to treating “hypercholesterolemia” (Besseling et al,
2016). Homeostasis of “hypercholesterolemia” is carried by a process of biosynthesis using
“3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR)” activity. Which uptakes using
“low-density lipoprotein receptors” (“LDLr”), storage of esterification, “lipoprotein” release
in the blood and degrading as well as conversion into bile acids. Homeostasis of statin leads
to a favorable impact on lipids with a tremendous reduction in fibrinogen and high-sensitivity
CRP levels. The current scope of discussion relates to the normal physiology,
pathophysiology, and pharmacology of “hypercholesterolemia” and statins.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Cholesterol comprises a lipophilic molecule important for the normal functioning of cells.
While cholesterol has many important functions in the body most of them are lipophilic and
transported through blood with triglycerides in lipoprotein particles. “Hypercholesterolemia”
is a situation when cholesterol has reached abnormal blood concentration (Huff, & Jialal,
2019). It leads to a risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD)
increases to a substantial level. “Hypercholesterolemia” or high levels of “LDL”-cholesterol
is one of the leading risk factors that lead to forming atherosclerotic plaques (Soslowsky, &
Fryhofer, 2016). Formation of these plaques leads to varied clinical outcomes, such as
coronary artery diseases, aortic aneurysms, PAD, and risks from a stroke. High levels of