Why have I been offered statins?

Why have I been offered statins?

Why have I been offered statins? Having a high level of LDL cholesterol is potentially dangerous, as it can lead to a hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is a general term that describes a disease of the heart or blood vessels.

What is the evidence for statins?

Large-scale evidence from randomised trials shows that statin therapy reduces the risk of major vascular events (ie, coronary deaths or myocardial infarctions, strokes, and coronary revascularisation procedures) by about one-quarter for each mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol during each year (after the first) that it …

Are statins a waste of time?

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 is the most popular statin drug?

Currently, atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor) are the most potent, and fluvastatin (Lescol) is the least potent. The statins also differ in how strongly they interact with other drugs.

Are there any side effects of taking a statin?

“It is rare for statins to cause serious muscle problems.” Similarly, the risk of developing diabetes as a result of a statin is small. “The benefits of statins in reducing heart attacks and strokes should generally outweigh this small increased risk,” Smith says.

Is it safe to drink grapefruit juice while taking a statin?

Similarly, the risk of developing diabetes as a result of a statin is small. “The benefits of statins in reducing heart attacks and strokes should generally outweigh this small increased risk,” Smith says. 6. I’ve heard you shouldn’t drink grapefruit juice if you’re taking a statin.

When to take a statin for high cholesterol?

For people who are at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke, statins may be recommended even when cholesterol levels might not seem too high. “Statins have a well-established track record for reducing the risk for heart attacks and strokes,” Smith says.

Are there any alternative to statins for cholesterol?

Bempedoic acid is a new type of cholesterol-fighting drug that doesn’t come with muscle-related side effects common with statins and could be an alternative.

What are the side effects of taking statin drugs?

Most people who take statin drugs tolerate them very well. But some people experience side effects. The most common statin side effects include: Headache. Difficulty sleeping. Flushing of the skin. Muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness (myalgia) Drowsiness.

Are there any statins that are approved for use in the US?

The statin medications that are approved for use in the U.S. include: Lipitor Livalo Mevacor or Altocor Zocor Pravachol Lescol Crestor

When to call your doctor about taking statins?

If you experience any unexplained joint or muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking statins, you should call your doctor immediately. Pregnant women or those with active or chronic liver disease should not use statins.