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What Are the Benefits of Pravastatin?

Pravastatin, marketed under the brand name Pravachol, is a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor--a lipid-reducing drug that works with the liver to minimize bad cholesterol while allowing good cholesterol levels to rise. Doctors prescribe the drug to prevent heart disease.

  1. Lowers Cholesterol

    • Doctors may prescribe pravastatin for hypercholesterolemia--too much cholesterol in the blood. Pravastatin may be added after more exercise and a diet low in fat and cholesterol have failed to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol levels.

    Fights Hardening of Arteries

    • By reducing cholesterol in the blood, pravastatin may prevent hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), clogging of the arteries (myocardial infarction) and coronary events, all of which can lead to death.

    Prevents Stroke

    • By reducing cholesterol in the blood, pravastatin may also prevent stroke, or brain cell death due to lack of oxygen when blockage of an artery prevents blood flow to the brain. Stroke can be disabling or fatal.

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