“Statins can help prevent heart attack, stroke, and other complications from cardiovascular disease. Statins are drugs that reduce cholesterol. They function by blocking a liver enzyme responsible for cholesterol development.”

 

Statins can help prevent cardiovascular disease from heart attack, stroke, and other complications. Statins are cholesterol-lowering medications. We function by blocking the liver enzyme that is responsible for the development of cholesterol. The medications can prevent cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and death in people at high risk who cannot reduce their cholesterol levels by eating and exercising alone.

Learn more: Statins which are commonly prescribed by doctors

Researchers are also studying the effects of statins on cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions. Many statins that are commonly prescribed include:

• Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• Fluvastatin (Lescol)
• Lovastatin (Altoprev)
• Pitavastatin (Livalo)
• Pravastatin (Pravachol)
• Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
• Simvastatin (Zocor)

Red yeast rice also contains a small amount of statin compound.

Learn more: Other prescription statins for the treatments

History of Statins

The first breakthrough that led to the development of statin drugs was made by Japanese scientist Akira Endo in the early 1970s. In 2003, the Lipitor statin became history’s best-selling prescription drug. Generic versions of some statins are currently available at a lower cost.

Guidelines of Statins

Following four groups of people, statins can benefit:

• Those who are already suffering from heart disease (including anyone with a heart attack, stroke, mini-stroke or TIA, peripheral artery disease, or surgery to repair or remove coronary arteries.
• Individuals with high cholesterol levels of LDL (“bad”) (190 mg / dL or higher) without other cardiovascular disease risk factors.
•  Individuals with diabetes, including adults between 70 and 189 mg / dL with diabetes and LDL levels)
• Individuals with a higher 10-year risk of heart attack (including those with LDL levels above 100 mg / dL and whose 10-year risk of heart attack is 7.5 percent or higher)

Side Effects of Statins

The side effects of Statins are:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Weakness
• Muscle or joint pain

In rare cases, the drugs can cause liver failure, loss of memory, or a serious condition of the skeletal muscle called rhabdomyolysis.

Statins and Diabetes

If you are taking a statin, there is a slightly higher risk of having type 2 diabetes. Talk about this possibility with your doctor.

CoQ10 and Statins

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring substance in your skin. It is also available, as an oral dietary supplement. There are some anecdotal reports and small research studies indicating that CoQ10 can help prevent statin-related side effects. There is a need for larger clinical trials to validate the connection.

Statins and Pregnancy

Although there tends to be a small risk of birth defects associated with taking statins, pregnant women need to minimize the risk as much as possible. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take statins without first speaking to your doctor.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

DISCLAIMER: This content is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physicians with any questions regarding a medical condition and obtain medical advice and treatment.