Should I start taking a statin?
Your health care provider may prescribe medicine if:
- You have already had a heart attack or stroke, or you have peripheral arterial disease.
- Your LDL cholesterol level is 190 mg/dL or higher.
- You are 40–75 years old with diabetes and an LDL cholesterol level of 70 mg/dL or higher.
Should statins be taken with or without food?
While effective in reducing the risk of heart disease, statins can often cause a number of side effects such as muscle ache, pain and weakness. Current Canadian guidelines do not indicate if statins should be taken with or without food, and most people take the medication on an empty stomach.
Why the risks and benefits of statins are so complex?
Statins prevent heart attacks in people with diabetes, so the relevance of the mild increase in sugar values with statins observed in some people is unclear. The benefit of taking statins likely outweighs the small risk to have the blood sugar level go up.
What supplement can be taken in place of a statin?
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
What are the positive side effects of statins?
The benefits of statins Most statins successfully help lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Lowering your cholesterol levels with statins helps decrease your risk of stroke, heart attack, and other vessel-related diseases.
Are statins worth the risk?
Research has shown that statins are highly effective in reducing the risk of fatal heart attack and stroke.
What are the pros and cons of taking statins?
Statins are a group of drugs that can reduce high cholesterol, lowering the risk of atherosclerosis and heart problems. Statins typically cause mild side effects, if any, but these drugs can, rarely, cause significant, and even life threatening, adverse effects.
Do statins make you put on weight?
As with many medications, statins may cause side effects, including digestive problems, muscle pain and weakness, and cognitive dysfunction. Another side effect that's been linked to statins is weight gain.
What is the downside of taking statins?
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.
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.
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.
What cholesterol level requires statins?
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.
Can statins affect walking?
While statins have been shown to significantly reduce cholesterol levels, they have also been reported to have negative side effects on skeletal muscle. Most statin-induced myopathy manifests in the leg muscles, which can lead to difficulty walking and exercising.
Can I drink coffee while taking statin?
Caffeine is a nonspecific adenosine receptor blocker, and thus drinking CC may block the myocardial protective effects of statins.
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.
Do statins make you pee more?
The study also found that statins were linked to fewer sleep disturbances, but an increase in reports of needing to urinate at night and urinate more frequently, while there were too few reports of cognitive problems to draw any conclusions.
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.
What can I take instead of statins to lower cholesterol?
7 cholesterol-lowering alternatives to statinsFibrates. Mostly used for lowering triglyceride levels in patients whose levels are very high and could cause pancreatitis. ... Plant stanols and sterols. ... Cholestyramine and other bile acid-binding resins. ... Niacin. ... Policosanol. ... Red yeast rice extract (RYRE) ... Natural products.
Are statins the best treatment for high cholesterol?
Statins are the best drugs to lower LDL cholesterol. Statins also have benefits above and beyond cholesterol lowering.
What is the best statin to take with the least side effects?
In the analysis of 135 previous studies, which included nearly 250,000 people combined, researchers found that the drugs simvastatin (Zocor) and pravastatin (Pravachol) had the fewest side effects in this class of medications. They also found that lower doses produced fewer side effects in general.
How do statins work?
By Mayo Clinic Staff. Statins are drugs that can lower your cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol isn't the only benefit associated with statins.
How old do you have to be to take statins?
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 best cholesterol level for a heart attack?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Aim to keep this "bad" cholesterol under 100 mg/dL, or 2.6 mmol/L. If you have a history of heart attacks or you're at a very high risk of a heart attack or stroke, you may need to aim even lower (below 70 mg/dL, or 1.8 mmol/L).
How to reduce risk of heart disease?
To reduce your risk: Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fish and whole grains and low in saturated fat, trans fat, refined carbohydrates and salt.
Do you need a statin for heart disease?
Whether you need to be on a statin depends on your cholesterol levels and other risk factors for heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. Your doctor will consider all of your risk factors for heart attacks and strokes before prescribing a statin. Knowing your cholesterol numbers is a good place to start.
Do statins lower cholesterol?
Lowering cholesterol isn't the only benefit associated with statins. These medications have also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. These drugs may help stabilize the plaques on blood vessel walls and reduce the risk of certain blood clots. A number of statins are available for use in the United States.
Do side effects of statins go away?
Some side effects go away as the body adjusts to the medication. But tell your doctor about any unusual signs or symptoms you might have after starting statin therapy. Your doctor may want to decrease your dose or try a different statin. Never stop taking a statin without talking to your doctor first.
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 statin used for?
Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are widely used medicines for patients with lipid disorders and in the primary and secondary prevention of heart attack and stroke. From:
What is the prescribing information for statins?
The prescribing information and patient leaflets for each statin advises on how to minimise the risk of side effects, including: which medicines to avoid taking with statins. when to use a lower statin dose. when to interrupt or stop statin treatment.
What statins are available in the UK?
The statins currently available in the UK are simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, and rosuvastatin. Evidence from large clinical trials [footnote 1] [footnote 2] [footnote 3] [footnote 4] shows that statins can reduce heart attacks and the need for bypass surgery, and can save lives in certain patient groups.
Which transporter is used to take up simvastatin?
Simvastatin is primarily taken up via the OATP1B1 transporter. Other statins are taken up by additional or different transporters, so the blood plasma concentration of those statins is less susceptible to changes in OATP1B1 function than that of simvastatin (see table).
Why do some side effects only appear when medicines are used in the community?
Some side effects only become apparent when medicines are used in the community: by many people (because of the rarity of some side effects) for a long time ( because of the slow onset of some side effects) when high doses are used more frequently than in clinical trials.
Can statins cause side effects?
All effective medicines can cause side effects in some patients and a small proportion of patients taking statins will inevitably experience side effects. Although they may be distressing to the individual concerned and limit that individual’s willingness or ability to tolerate statin use, statin-related side effects are generally mild and not medically serious.
Can you stop statins?
For some patients, stopping statin treatment may be appropriate. If statin treatment must be continued despite muscle problems, consider using a lower statin dose or switching to a different statin. Take into account the severity of the myopathy, the degree of hypercholesterolaemia, and the patient’s medical history.
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 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.
Do statins help with blood pressure?
This also makes plaque less likely to rupture in the heart, lowering the risk of a heart attack. Statins also help to relax the blood vessels, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure.
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.
Do statins have side effects?
In fact , side effects of statins are rare, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published Dec. 10 in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. Lynne Braun, a heart disease and stroke prevention expert who co-authored the statement, said she hopes the results put to rest any misconceptions patients ...
Can statins cause heart disease?
When muscle symptoms do occur, they often are linked to the drug's dosage, the study authors said. Statins may slightly increase the risk for type 2 diabetes, a condition that can lead to heart disease or stroke. But most people on the drugs already had a high risk for diabetes.
Do statins lower cholesterol?
MONDAY, Dec. 10, 2018 (American Heart Association) -- The benefits of the cholesterol -lowering medicines called statins far outweigh any risk of side effects, according to a new analysis of decades of scientific research.
Do statins increase blood sugar?
Overall, people with diabetes who are on statins see an insignificant increase in blood sugar levels, the study authors said. The authors suggested health care providers keep a close eye on certain patients who need or take statins, especially older adults who take multiple medications for chronic illnesses.
Why do people take statins?
Statins are used to lower the bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) levels in your blood. High cholesterol can cause coronary artery disease which increases your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
How do statins help with heart disease?
Statins. Statins lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, by reducing your cholesterol levels. Read about the types of statins, how they work and their side effects.
Can grapefruit juice affect statins?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect the way your liver processes some statins and increase side effects, so you may need to avoid it or reduce your intake. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what’s recommended for you. Statins help reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Do statins work in the evening?
Studies show that statins work best if you take them in the evening. Some statins work better if you take them with a meal. Talk to your pharmacist about when is the best time to take your medication. Tell your health professionals if you’re taking any: supplements. natural medicines.
Does statin increase cholesterol?
The benefit usually outweighs the side effects. There's a very small chance that taking a statin can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, the benefits of taking it to reduce your cholesterol usually outweigh the side effects.
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.
