With abnormally high cholesterol can put one at risk of developing heart disease. It will not be an instant thing, heart disease can gradually develop as a person ages and as we continue to maintain a high level of cholesterol. If you plan to live well beyond your years, then lowering your cholesterol in as soon as possible will be able to help you achieve your goal.

There are some drugs on the market today designed to lower cholesterol. They are grouped in different classes most notable of HMG-CoA or otherwise known as "statins." The drugs in this group to try to block the enzyme HMG-CoA, which functions as one of the steps needed to convert fat into cholesterol. Statins are known to be cholesterol-lowering agent most effective to date and have become a big help for people requiring drastic reduction of their cholesterol.

There are also cholesterol-lowering drugs called bile acid sequestrants that work by binding with bile from the liver of humans. Bile is the substance that aids in the digestion system and fat absorption in the intestine. bile acid sequestrants prevent the formation of cholesterol by preventing bile acid from digesting fats.

There are also vitamins that help lower cholesterol. The best known among them is Vitamin B3 or niacin. Niacin is one of eight water soluble vitamins B, which helps the body convert carbohydrates into glucose which is used in the body of energy. B vitamins are also important in the distribution of body fat and protein as well as in helping to make the nervous system, skin, eyes, hair, mouth and liver healthy. Niacin also helps the body get rid of toxic and harmful chemicals.

Niacin has also been found to enhance the effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs other. But such an effect would only be possible if niacin is taken in high doses. But people are also warned to be careful to try to reduce their cholesterol by taking high doses of niacin. Large amounts of the vitamin B can cause reddening of the skin due to dilation of blood vessels and other side effects such as itching, headaches, nausea and muscle cramps.

Other vitamins and substances also credited for helping the body lower its cholesterol levels is Lecithin and vitamins C and E. Lecithin works by allowing fats and cholesterol to be dispersed from the body and help prevent the accumulation of fat in the arteries. Vitamins C and E were also shown to help try to prevent heart disease by protecting LDL cholesterol from damage. Although LDL cholesterol is also known as "bad" cholesterol, most cardiologists believe that only damaged LDL contributes to the increased risk of heart disease.