Johns Hopkins Health Alert
When Lifestyle Changes Are Not Enough: Statin Medication for Lowering Cholesterol
Aggressive management of cholesterol levels decreases heart attacks and hospitalizations for cardiac events. Statins are the most effective drugs for lowering levels of total and LDL cholesterol and for reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Statins can also reduce the need for angioplasty and bypass surgery in people diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD).
Because statins block the action of an enzyme required for the liver to manufacture cholesterol, the liver makes less cholesterol and more LDL receptors, which remove LDL from the blood. As a result, statin drugs can produce about a 25 to 55 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol, a 5 to 15 percent increase in HDL cholesterol, and a 10 to 25 percent reduction in triglycerides.
Statin choices. Your doctor will consider a number of factors when selecting a statin drug for you, including your risk of a heart attack; the drug's side effects, costs and interactions with other medications you're taking; and the time of day that the drug should be taken.
Currently seven statin drugs are available: atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL), lovastatin (Altocor, Altoprev, Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). A seventh statin, pitavastatin (Livalo), has also received FDA approval and can be prescribed.
Depending on your lipid profile, your doctor may prescribe a statin in combination with another lipid-lowering drug that works to lower cholesterol by a different method – for example, a statin plus a fibrate, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor or niacin.
Statin benefits. Statins have benefits other than their effects on blood lipids. For example, statins appear to improve the function of the endothelial cells that line the artery walls. Specifically, statins help arteries regain some of their ability to widen and permit increased blood flow during exercise.
Statins also reduce the risk of plaque rupture by decreasing inflammation within the walls of arteries. In fact, people who take statins can reduce their blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation. All of these beneficial effects mean that taking a statin lowers your risk of a heart attack, need for angioplasty or bypass surgery and death due to coronary heart disease. Taking a statin also decreases your risk of a stroke.
Posted in Heart Health on February 17, 2012
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Click here for additional information: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Disclaimer
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Isn't there also a limit to how long one may remain on statins? A friend's doctor mentioned this to her in my presence and i was glad I had stopped taking Simvastatin although cost was my main reason for ending my use.
Posted by: phillymamakline | February 18, 2012 1:46 PM
I can not confirm or deny your comment about the duration on these drugs.
Some people I know were on a statin for 10 days, four weeks, and like me, several to many years. The person that lasted 10 days broke out in an array of side effects and quit on the spot. The person with 4 weeks could not work because his legs hurt, cramped and spasm-ed so badly he could not stand.
In my case I came down with polyneuropathy that affected everything below my waist and particularly my left leg and foot. With no feeling, the tendons were damaged by walking, turning and twisting. They atrophied and are non-repairable. The stress on the leg because of the injury is now damaging my knee.
I suffered occurrences of syncope and was hospitalized. I came down with C.Diff and was hospitalize. I had sinus infection that was so bad I had surgery for it.
All of the above are listed as side effects if statins.
Researching information about statin drugs and there effects is fascinating when you consider normal protocols and then on the street activity. I keep careful notes and have a 42 page summary of my travels through statin drugs.
It is also interesting that there is a class action taking place against one of the manufacturers.
I know my doctors were unaware of the side effects of statins. Now, after x-rays, EMG's, MRI.s, blood tests, urine tests, surgeries, and 9 doctors it is now understood. There are two skeptics but they have no explanation at all.
As with many things, it is very complex. The point is, you are responsible for your self. Observe, research and advocate for yourself, with all the force you need to get resolved as early as possible. (I believe time is not on your side.)
Posted by: jascana46 | February 18, 2012 2:50 PM
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The authors comments on statin drugs are very positive, but let me tell you from experience, statin side effects can be devastating.
I have been left partially crippled from using these drugs. Many friends and acquaintances of mine have had very undesirable reactions to statins.
Statins may be an effective cholesterol lowering drug but statins are also very dangerous if you react to them. Forewarned is forearmed. Research the possible side effects and take note. Contact your doctor immediately if any appear.
Posted by: jascana46 | February 18, 2012 10:59 AM