Today's health-conscious culture is one that is pointedly focused on keeping certain bodily systems in line; we know that by paying close attention to such important levels as blood pressure, sugars, and cholesterol, we can put certain protective measures in place to keep our hearts and our bodies healthy. One of the ways in which we can accomplish this is with the help of cholesterol drugs.

Cholesterol is a natural substance produced by our liver and found in our body's cells and bloodstream. Its purpose - in moderate levels - is to help build cell membranes, produce hormones, and metabolize fats. The health risks associated with cholesterol stem from its overproduction. For cholesterol to be filtered through the liver and delivered to the appropriate cells it relies on carriers called lipoproteins. High-density lipoproteins - or HDLs - are considered to be our "good" cholesterol - that which filters cholesterol away from our arteries and back to our liver. LDLs - low-density lipoproteins - are considered to be our "bad" cholesterol. When our levels of LDLs are elevated, the cholesterol forms a type of plaque that builds up on artery walls - constricting arteries and setting us up for possible heart disease and stroke.

The ways in which we manage cholesterol levels - keeping HDLs high and LDLs low - is through a healthy diet that limits foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats. Red meat, for instance, is high in both, and when eaten on a regular basis can significantly impact the cholesterol levels in our body. While foods high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats - such as fish and olive oils - raise HDLs and help our bodies eliminate bad cholesterol while strengthening our hearts.

But when diet isn't enough to keep cholesterol levels in check, we often turn to cholesterol drugs to assist in the battle. Genetics can not be overlooked when it comes to cholesterol and sometimes it requires an extra measure or two to keep us at our healthiest.

It is estimated that over ten million people today take cholesterol drugs to help keep their levels in check. The type of cholesterol drugs ordinarily given to patients are known as statins - drugs that work to lower bad cholesterol. Among the most popularly used drugs today are Lipitor, Pravachol, Lescol, and Crestor.

Research has shown that these cholesterol drugs administered appropriately - and in conjunction with proper diet and exercise - can lower cholesterol almost as much as sixty percent. This means, that for people whose genetic make-up requires more than diet to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, cholesterol drugs can make all the difference in achieving and maintaining heart health well into the future.