Full Answer
What you should expect from statin therapy?
- Secondary prevention in people with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- People with an LDL cholesterol level of 190 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher, due to a genetic condition.
- People with diabetes ages 40 to 75 with an LDL level over 70 mg/dL and no atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
When to start statin therapy?
• Maximally tolerated statin therapy is recommended for patients 20 to 75 years of age with an LDL-C level of 190 mg per dL or greater. • Moderate-intensity statin therapy should be initiated without calculating a 10-year ASCVD risk for patients 40 to 75 years of age with diabetes mellitus.
Which statin is the best choice for which patient?
These include:
- lowering cholesterol
- decreasing the risk of stroke and heart disease
- lowering the risk of blood clots
- reducing the need for an angioplasty or other procedure to increase blood flow in an artery
What are the benefits of taking a statin?
- The Current Paradigm. Atherosclerosis does not affect all of us, and does not affect all those struck by it to the same extent or at similar age.
- Expected Benefits of Statin Use. ...
- Remaining Uncertainties. ...
- The Road Forward. ...
- Footnotes. ...
What does a statin actually do?
Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad cholesterol", and statins reduce the production of it inside the liver.
What condition does a statin treat?
Statins are effective at lowering cholesterol and protecting against a heart attack and stroke, although they may lead to side effects for some people. Doctors often prescribe statins for people with high cholesterol to lower their total cholesterol and reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke.
What is a statin and how does it work?
Statins are a class of medicines used to lower cholesterol. While some of the cholesterol in your blood comes from food, most is made by the liver. Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver and helping the liver remove cholesterol that is already in the blood.
What are side effects of statins?
Side effects can vary between different statins, but common side effects include:headache.dizziness.feeling sick.feeling unusually tired or physically weak.digestive system problems, such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or farting.muscle pain.sleep problems.low blood platelet count.
Who needs to be on a statin?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends low- to moderate-dose statins in adults ages 40 to 75 who have one or more risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease and at least a 1 in 10 chance of having a cardiosvascular disease event in the next 10 years.
What is the most common side effect of statins?
Most people who take statin drugs tolerate them very well. But some people have side effects. The most common statin side effects include: Headache.
Why do doctors push statins?
Statins are the go-to treatment option for lowering cholesterol levels and risk of cardiovascular complications, like heart attack and stroke. Statins work by slowing down cholesterol production and enabling the liver to remove low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad cholesterol,” from the bloodstream.
When should a statin be prescribed?
Providers prescribe statins for people who: Have high cholesterol (LDL above 190 mg/dL) that exercise and diet changes couldn't reduce. Had a stroke, heart attack or peripheral artery disease. Have diabetes and an LDL of at least 70 mg/dL and are 40 to 75 years old.
When should I start statin therapy?
For most patients with an LDL-C >100 mg/dL (>2.59 mmol/L) and a 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of 10 percent or greater, we initiate statin therapy.
Do statins shorten your life?
A controversial new study found that high cholesterol does not shorten life span and that statins are essentially a “waste of time,” according to one of the researchers. Previous studies have linked statins with an increased risk of diabetes.
What foods should be avoided when taking statins?
Grapefruit juice is the only food or drink that has a direct interaction with statins. Statins do not directly interact with any food but people taking statins should moderate their intake of saturated fats to help lower their LDL cholesterol and overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
Can you stop taking statins Once you start?
Do not suddenly stop taking your prescribed medication without talking with your doctor first. If you have side effects from the medication, your doctor might adjust your dosage or recommend a different statin or other combination of medications.
Should You Be on A Statin?
Whether you need to be on a statin depends on your cholesterol levels and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Your doctor will consider...
Healthy Lifestyle Is Still Key For Preventing Heart Disease
Risk factors for heart disease and stroke are: 1. Smoking 2. High cholesterol 3. High blood pressure 4. Diabetes 5. Being overweight or obese 6. Fa...
Consider Statins A Lifelong Commitment
You may think that once your cholesterol goes down, you can stop taking statin medication. But if the drug helped lower your cholesterol, you'll li...
The Side Effects of Statins
Statins are well-tolerated by most people, but they do have side effects. Some side effects go away as the body adjusts to the medication. But alwa...
What Other Benefits Do Statins have?
Statins may have benefits other than just lowering your cholesterol. One promising benefit seems to be their anti-inflammatory properties, which he...
Weighing The Risks and Benefits of Statins
You should not take statins if you are pregnant or have some forms of advanced liver disease.When thinking about whether you should take statins fo...
What Are Statin Side Effects?
One of the most common complaints of people taking statins is muscle pain. You may feel this pain as a soreness, tiredness or weakness in your musc...
Who's at Risk of Developing Statin Side Effects?
Not everyone who takes a statin will have side effects, but some people may be at a greater risk than are others. Risk factors include: 1. Taking m...
Drugs and Food That Interact With Statins
Grapefruit juice contains a chemical that can interfere with the enzymes that break down (metabolize) the statins in your digestive system. While y...
What Causes Statin Side Effects?
It's unclear what causes statin side effects, especially muscle pain.Statins work by slowing your body's production of cholesterol. Your body produ...
How to Relieve Statin Side Effects
To relieve statin side effects, your doctor may recommend several options. Discuss these steps with your doctor before trying them: 1. Take a brief...
Weigh The Risks and Benefits
Although statin side effects can be annoying, consider the benefits of taking a statin before you decide to stop taking your medication. Remember t...
Overview
Statins (HMG CoA reductase inhibitors) are prescription medicines that people take to bring their cholesterol down to normal levels. Some statins can decrease your LDL (bad) cholesterol by 50% or more. Different brands of statins are on the market, as well as generic statins, which cost less.
Recovery and Outlook
Your cholesterol level will go back up if you stop taking statins. You’ll probably need to keep taking them for years to come.
When to Call the Doctor
While you’re taking statins, you should contact your provider if your muscles or joints hurt or if you feel weak, have a fever or your urine is dark.
Who should take statins?
Whether you need to take statins depends on your cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Cholesterol is the waxy substance found in the blood, and high levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol can put you at risk of plaque buildup.
What are the side effects of statins?
Muscle damage or weakness: The most common side effect of statins is the development of statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). SAMS may be felt as muscle soreness, weakness, or fatigue. Very rarely, statins may cause life-threatening muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis.
What is the purpose of statins?
Statins are used to: Lower high cholesterol (also known as hyperlipidemia or dyslipidemia ). Statins are most effective at lowering LDL-cholesterol (this is commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol) Reduce a person’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke or developing angina.
What are the side effects of statins?
The most common side effects reported with statins include: 1 A headache 2 belching or excessive gas 3 constipation 4 heartburn, indigestion, nausea or stomach discomfort 5 hoarseness 6 lower back or side pain 7 muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness 8 pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones 9 painful or difficult urination 10 a stuffy or a runny nose 11 sweating 12 trouble sleeping.
What is the enzyme that blocks the synthesis of mevalonate?
Statins (also called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) block an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase) that is involved in the synthesis of mevalonate, a naturally occurring substance that is then used by the body to make sterols, including cholesterol. By inhibiting this enzyme, cholesterol ...
Which drug has the greatest effect on LDL cholesterol?
Atorvastatin and simvastatin produce the greatest percentage change in LDL cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin and fluvastatin are preferred in people with kidney disease. Pravastatin and fluvastatin have a lower risk of drug interactions because they are not metabolized by cytochrome p450 3A4.
Why is it important to lower cholesterol?
Lowering cholesterol and other types of fats is important because research has shown that elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke.
Can atorvastatin interact with digoxin?
These symptoms typically resolve with discontinuation. Some statins, particularly those metabolized by CYP 3A4 (such as atorvastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin), can interact with several other drugs, such as clarithromycin, protease inhibitors, cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, oral contraceptives, and digoxin. For a complete list of severe side ...
Is pitavastatin the same as atorvastatin?
Pitavastatin has a similar effectiveness to atorvastatin but reportedly produces greater increases in HDL-cholesterol that are sustained over the long-term. It is effective at low dosages and has minimal drug interactions. Generic name. Brand name examples.
What drugs interact with statins?
Some drugs that may interact with statins and increase your risk of side effects include: Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), a medication for irregular heart rhythms. Gemfibrozil (Lopid), another variety of cholesterol drug.
Can you stop taking statins?
If you think you're experiencing side effects from statins, don't just stop taking the pills. Talk to your doctor to see if a change of dosage or even a different type of medication might be helpful. What are statin side effects? Muscle pain and damage.
Does statin help with heart attack?
Sign up now. Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks. Statins are effective at lowering cholesterol and protecting against a heart attack and stroke, although they may lead to side effects for some people. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
Can you take a combination of statins and cholesterol?
Sometimes, taking a combination of cholesterol drugs can provide the same result with lower doses of statins. Try coenzyme Q10 supplements. Coenzyme Q10 supplements may help prevent statin side effects in some people, though more studies are needed to determine any benefits of taking it.
Can statins interact with other medications?
Talk to your doctor first to make sure the supplement won't interact with any of your other medications. Weigh the risks and benefits. Although side effects believed to be caused by statins can be annoying, consider the benefits of taking a statin before you decide to stop taking your medication.
Can statins cause liver damage?
While statins are highly effective and safe for most people, they have been linked to muscle pain, digestive problems and mental fuzziness in some people who take them and may rarely cause liver damage.
Does grapefruit juice interfere with statins?
Grapefruit juice contains a chemical that can interfere with the enzymes that break down (metabolize) the statins in your digestive system.
What is statins used for?
What are statins? Statins are a class of prescription drugs that help to lower cholesterol. They block the enzyme that the body uses to make cholesterol in the liver. The liver, along with other cells in the body, makes about 75 percent of the body’s blood cholesterol. Trusted Source.
What are the side effects of statins?
The side effects of statins. The most common side effects of statins include nausea, vomiting, and aches and pains in the muscles and joints. You may also have constipation, gas, or diarrhea. As your body adjusts to the medication, the side effects often go away . Some more serious side effects include: type 2 diabetes or higher blood sugar.
What is PCSK9 inhibitor?
PCSK9 inhibitors. A gene called proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) determines the number of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors in the body. These receptors then regulate how much LDL cholesterol goes into your bloodstream. PCSK9 drugs work by suppressing the PCSK9 enzyme expressed by the gene.
What is the best way to reduce cholesterol in the bloodstream?
Cholesterol absorption inhibitor . The small intestine absorbs your diet’s cholesterol and releases it into the bloodstream. A cholesterol absorption inhibitor helps to limit this absorption of the cholesterol you consume. Ezetimibe is one type of cholesterol absorption inhibitor.
What happens if you have too much cholesterol?
But if you have too much cholesterol in your system, you can be at greater risk for heart disease and other vascular diseases. It can cause a buildup of plaque in the artery walls, which affects blood flow and can raise your risk for a heart attack.
How to lower cholesterol?
take multiple medications to lower your cholesterol. have a smaller body frame. have liver or kidney disease. consume too much alcohol. If you’re experiencing side effects, your doctor may want you to try another statin or change your dose, or try a different medication.
Do statins work better for cholesterol?
They all work similarly and offer the same level of effectiveness, but one might work better for you than another. Your doctor will prescribe a statin based on your cholesterol level and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
How do statins work?
And that could cut your chance of a heart attack or stroke. Statins work in your liver. They block an enzyme that helps your body make cholesterol.
Do doctors consider other factors before making a recommendation for statins?
Regardless of whether your doctor is on board with the newer guidelines, they should also consider other heart disease risk factors before making a recommendation. Ultimately, the decision about statins is yours. You’ll want answers to these questions to help you decide.
Do statins lower the risk of heart disease?
She notes that several major studies -- including a review of 18 trials based on data on nearly 57,000 people -- have shown that statins lower the chances of developing both fatal and non-fatal heart disease, as well as cut the risk of dying from any cause during those trials.
Can you take statin every other day?
If that happens, switching to a different statin, lowering your dose, or taking your pill every other day instead of daily might help. (Talk to your doctor before you change how you take any medicine.) In very rare cases, statins can cause severe muscle damage that can be life-threatening.
Can you take statins with a prescription?
Although statins are still a go-to medicine, there is no one-size-fits all prescription. And if they don’t help you enough (along with diet and exercise), or you can’t take them because of side effects, there are also other types of cholesterol-lowering medicines.
Can statins help prevent a heart attack?
Cardiologists generally agree that statins are a no-brainer for people who've already had a heart attack or stroke, because there’s strong evidence that they can help prevent a second one. There's been some debate as to whether statins are as helpful in preventing a first heart attack or stroke. But most experts say there's plenty ...
Can statins cause liver damage?
This may happen with certain statins, especially if it interacts with another drug that you take. Be sure to review all your prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements with your doctor. Other rare side effects include liver injury, so ask your doctor how often your liver enzymes should be tested.
Why are statins used for heart disease?
Why? It’s because a large body of research supports their benefits in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How often can you take statins?
Advertising Policy. The statins are generally taken once daily and are available in generic forms. “It’s important to note that atorvastatin and rosuvastatin really are the workhorses of cardiology and statins at this point,” Dr. Laffin adds. “A lot of pharmacies typically will have one of the high-intensity statins.
What is the recommended statin level for a person with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease?
People with an LDL cholesterol level of 190 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher, due to a genetic condition.
Which statins have the least side effects?
Certain statins — in particular, atorvastatin and simvastatin — are more likely to cause these side effects, while others, like rosuvastatin and pravastatin, have less of an effect.
Does statin help with cholesterol?
Statins inhibit the action of an enzyme that’s responsible for cholesterol production in your liver. In the process, they significantly reduce LDL and total cholesterol, while also having beneficial effects on HDL (“good”) cholesterol, triglycerides and inflammation.
Does statin lower LDL?
Preventive cardiologist Luke Laffin, MD, says statins lower your LDL ( or “bad”) cholesterol, which is associated with a reduced risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. (That’s the buildup of cholesterol, fatty cells and inflammatory deposits on the inner walls of your arteries aka “hardening” or “clogging” of the arteries).
Can statins cause diabetes?
Furthermore, statins may cause small elevations in blood sugar, enough to push some people into the range of type 2 diabetes. “But, we know that the benefits of statins outweigh that small increase in blood glucose across multiple populations,” Dr. Laffin notes. Mental fogginess.
