Statins: Lower Cholesterol Levels and Other Benefits?

Millions of Americans have higher than normal levels of cholesterol. High cholesterol also runs in my family, particularly on my father's side. My dad's parents take medicine for their cholesterol. My father is almost 50 and is now running a much higher than normal cholesterol level of 256. Cholesterol levels are supposed to be below 200. Anything above 200 is considered higher than normal and anything 240 or above is considered high cholesterol.

What are Statins and What Do They Do?

One way to treat high cholesterol is to take statins. Statins are a type of drug that blocks a substance that triggers the creation of cholesterol in the body. It may also help people's bodies reabsorb cholesterol that may have formed plaques in blood vessels. This can help prevent serious conditions such as atherosclerosis which is a buildup of plaques in blood vessels. Some well known statins include Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Crestor.

Besides lowering cholesterol levels, statins may provide other potential benefits not yet known about. Some important questions to consider are whether or not it is right for everyone, whether or not there may be problems with long term use, and if they help prevent serious diseases.

Do You Need to Take Statins?

Only a doctor can decide if statins are right for you. There are so many other factors that go into deciding whether you can or cannot take statins. Besides high cholesterol levels, other factors such as age, family history of cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, presence of diabetes, smoking, and weight gain are taken into consideration. If you find out that the only risk factor is high cholesterol, then this may mean that the chances of suffering a stroke or heart attack is not that high. All one may need to do is change their diet and exercise regimen. If a person needs to be on statins, the doctor will decide what dose needs to be taken. Typically, the higher the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels are, the higher the dose of statins that will need to be taken.

Side Effects From Taking Statins

Like any other drug, statins come with a number of possible side effects. Most people do not experience serious side effects, but some people may. The most common side effects include, muscle and joint aches, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Other more serious and less common side effects may include liver damage, kidney damage, and serious muscle problems. Statins can increase the amount of liver enzymes and if the number of enzymes becomes too great, the liver can be damaged. Mild increases in enzymes will not cause any serious problems. If statins are taken in combination with fibrates, muscle problems may become more prevalent. A condition called rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle cells) may result. This breakdown of muscle cells will cause a release of a protein called myoglobin. In excess, this protein may cause kidney damage.

As noted earlier, statins may provide more benefits than just lowering cholesterol levels. Such potential benefits may include prevention of arthritis, prevention of cancer, and reduction in chances of getting dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Source:

Mayo Clinic Staff, "Statins: Are These Cholesterol Lowering Drugs For You?" MayoClinic.com