Statins are a class of medications doctors usually prescribe to lower the levels of unhealthy cholesterol in your blood. They work by stopping an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver, reducing the amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream.
By effectively managing cholesterol levels, statins play an important role in preventing atherosclerosis, a condition involving the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
In addition to cholesterol management, statins may improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation, contributing to their widespread use in promoting overall heart health.
Benefits
Statins offer several benefits, including:
- Cholesterol management: Statins effectively reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the type associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. These medications help maintain a healthier cholesterol balance in the bloodstream by inhibiting cholesterol production in the liver.
- Reducing the risk of heart disease: Studies show statins significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. By managing elevated cholesterol levels, statins may prevent atherosclerosis, lowering the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.
- Improving blood vessel function: Studies show statins improve the function of blood vessels. They promote vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which enhances blood flow and reduces the strain on the heart.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Statins have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation within the arterial walls. By regulating inflammatory responses in blood vessels, statins may prevent plaque formation and the progression of atherosclerosis.
- Plaque stabilization: A 2016 study suggested that statins may help stabilize high risk arterial plaques (a buildup of a sticky substance in your arteries). This stabilization can make plaques less likely to rupture, which can lead to blood clots and blockages in blood vessels.
- Low risk of side effects: Statins are generally well-tolerated, with a low chance of serious side effects. While some people may experience mild side effects such as muscle aches or digestive problems, the overall safety of statins makes them a reliable option for long-term use to manage cardiovascular health.
Possible side effects
While statins are generally well-tolerated, they may cause some side effects. These include:
- Muscle pain and weakness: You might experience muscle-related symptoms, from mild discomfort to more severe aches and weakness. In rare cases, this could progress to a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Some people may notice gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, constipation, or diarrhea when taking statins. These effects are mild, and you can often manage them with adjustments to the medication or lifestyle changes.
- Liver enzyme abnormalities: Statins can cause elevated levels of liver enzymes in some people. Healthcare professionals recommend regular monitoring of liver function, although significant liver problems due to statins are rare.
- Increased blood sugar levels: Some studies suggest that statins may slightly raise blood sugar levels, which might concern those at risk of diabetes. It’s essential to monitor blood sugar regularly if you’re taking statins.
- Memory and cognitive problems: Some studies have reported memory loss or cognitive side effects in some people having statin therapy. However, research on this topic is inconclusive, and the benefits of statins in preventing cardiovascular events generally outweigh potential risks.
- New-onset diabetes risk: Long-term use of statins has been associated with a slightly increased risk of developing diabetes, particularly if you have other risk factors. This risk needs to be considered against the cardiovascular benefits of statin therapy.
- Allergic reactions: Although rare, you might experience allergic reactions to statins, leading to skin rash, itching, or swelling. Severe allergic reactions are extremely uncommon.
- Interaction with other medications: Statins can interact with certain medications, affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Consider talking with a healthcare professional about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter supplements.
- Interactions with foods: Grapefruits and grapefruit juice might increase the concentration of statins in your blood, which can worsen potential side effects, so avoid this fruit when taking statins.
