Statins are a type of cholesterol lowering drug which help lower the amount of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood.  Statins are not available over the counter and should only be taken when prescribed by your doctor.

LDL cholesterol is referred to as “bad cholesterol”. Lowering high levels of this cholesterol will help to reduce the risk of other serious conditions, such as coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

How do statins work?

Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. Cholesterol serves an important role in the body. However, too much cholesterol is bad as it can stick to the inside of your blood vessels, causing a plaque to form. This can lead to atherosclerosis and an increase in blood pressure (hypertension) which also leads to an increase in the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and other conditions.

What are the benefits of statins?

  • Cholesterol reduction
  • Lowers LDL cholesterol
  • Cardiovascular function
  • Prevents growth of existing plaque
  • Prevents cholesterol from sticking and building up on the walls of blood vessels
  • Reduces platelet activity, meaning that its less likely for a blood clot to form

Possible side effects of statins

Most people tolerate statins well but as with any medicine, statins may cause unwanted side effects.  Some of the most common side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to the stomach
  • Constipation, bloating, diarrhoea, indigestion
  • Muscle pain

Uncommon side effects may include memory problems, hair loss, inflammation of the liver, nerve and skin problems, and a reduced sex drive.

If you experience side effects talk to your doctor about your treatment.

What are other ways in which you can control your cholesterol?

Apart from statins, you can make lifestyle and dietary changes in your life to combat a rise in LDLs and to also control the amount of cholesterol you have in your body.

Lifestyle changes include:

  • Exercising and being more active
  • Limiting alcohol intake
  • Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight
  • Quitting smoking

Dietary changes include:

  • Reduced intake of saturated fat and trans fat
  • Eat less: red mean, fried food and full-fat dairy products
  • Eat more: vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole grains, fish

 

https://www.medicalnews today.com/articles/ statin-pros-and-cons#pros

https://www.mayoclinic.org/ diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013#:~:text=Statins are effective at lowering,a heart attack or stroke.

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