Prescription statins are a commonly prescribed treatment for lowering cholesterol to help protect your heart. Studies found that statin therapy can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and other cardiovascular events, especially in people with high cholesterol, diabetes, or existing heart disease.
About High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like material found in every cell in your body. It is an essential nutrient your body needs to help build healthy cells. It also aids in the production of vitamin D and vital hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Only around 20-25 percent of the cholesterol in your body comes from food. Your body produces the rest to help with vital functions.
There are two types of cholesterol: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL low-density lipoprotein. HDL is commonly referred to as “good” cholesterol, as it helps remove extra cholesterol from your body. LDL is often called “bad” cholesterol because it’s responsible for causing plaque build-up in your arteries.
Cholesterol deposits known as plaque are a common contributing cause of heart disease. When cholesterol levels are too high, plaque builds up in the arteries. As the plaque continues to build, it narrows and clogs your arteries, making it more difficult for blood to flow to your heart. This can cause muscle weakening and increase your risk of a heart attack and stroke. Statins are prescribed to lower cholesterol levels to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
What are Statins
Statins work by blocking the enzyme HMGCoA reductase in your liver and preventing the production of excess cholesterol. Statins may also improve the stability of the lining of your blood vessels, decrease inflammation in the arteries, reduce the chance of blood clot formation, and protect cardiac muscle, reducing the risk of heart failure.
There are several types of statins, each with a different strength and dosage level. Your family doctor or cardiologist will determine the best statin based on your medical history and individual needs.
Who Needs Statins
Your family doctor will examine your risk of heart disease or stroke when deciding if you would benefit from taking a statin medication. Your healthcare team may recommend statins if you have:
- High levels of “Bad” LDL cholesterol.
- High-Blood Pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Smoke, are obese, or lead a sedentary lifestyle.
- A family medical history of heart disease.
Benefits of Taking Statins
In addition to lowering your risk for heart disease and stroke by reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol, taking a statin may help increase your “good” HDL cholesterol.
You can (and should) make lifestyle changes to try to lower your high cholesterol. If you quit smoking, lose weight, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise regularly, you may be able to lower your high cholesterol naturally. However, for some people, regular exercise and eating a healthier diet aren’t enough.
Ultimately, statins are one of the most effective tools available for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
For patients who have already had a heart attack or stroke, and those with high-risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, or a family medical history that includes heart disease or stroke, statins may be a lifesaver.
Types of Statins
There are many types of statins, including:
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor®)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol®)
- Lovastatin (Altoprev®)
- Pitavastatin (Livalo®)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol®)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor®)
- Simvastatin (Zocor®)
Side Effects of Statins
Statin medications are generally safe and effective for most people, with many feeling no side effects. However, some patients may experience side effects such as headache, stomach issues, muscle pain, mental confusion, and, in rare cases, liver damage. It’s important to discuss the benefits and risks of taking a statin with your doctor before you start to take the medication. Make sure your healthcare provider knows about all the medications you are currently taking, and check with your pharmacist, as statins can cause interactions with other medications.
While most people don’t have side effects from statins. While taking statins, you should contact your health care team if your joints or muscles hurt, or if you feel weak, have a fever, have jaundice, or if your urine is dark. Side effects can often be reduced by changing the dosage or prescribing a different type of statin medication.
Managing Cholesterol Levels and Tips for Taking Statins
If you have found out you have high cholesterol and are taking statins, here are some helpful tips for managing your medications and health.
Make sure your healthcare team knows about all the medications (even over-the-counter), vitamins, and herbs you are taking. They could interact with statins or affect your cholesterol levels. Your doctor may adjust your dosage or recommend alternative medications based on how well the statins are working.
- Take statins the way your doctor prescribed them. You will likely start with a low dose and gradually increase it until it’s working to lower your cholesterol the way it should.
- Keep appointments. Your doctor will monitor your blood and overall health for signs of complications related to the medication and review your dosage to check that it’s managing your cholesterol levels as it should.
- Carefully read the instructions on the medication label and follow them. Do not skip doses. Optimally, you should take statins at the same time every day so the level of medication in your blood is consistent.
- Live a healthier lifestyle. While taking a statin will help to lower your cholesterol, it’s still important to improve your overall health by exercising and eating a healthy diet. Stopping smoking improves good HDL cholesterol, and limiting alcohol use can reduce triglyceride levels.
- Do not stop taking statins without consulting your doctor first. Most people don’t experience side effects from taking statins, but others may. While serious side effects are rare, some patients complain of muscle soreness or headaches. In some cases, this may not be due to the drug at all. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any side effects you’re experiencing before you stop taking the statin. Your doctor may be able to lower your dosage or change your medication type.
If you have high cholesterol, you could be at risk for a heart attack, (PAD) peripheral artery disease, or stroke. Your family doctor may recommend statins to lower your cholesterol and protect your heart. Statins decrease your risk of having a heart attack or stroke because they reduce the amount of “bad” cholesterol in your blood. Excess cholesterol can clog your arteries, making it hard for blood to flow, putting you at risk for a heart attack and stroke. Statins are generally well tolerated, safe, and effective.
At River Bend Medical Associates, we can help many patients manage high cholesterol with nutrition and exercise. For other patients, statins are an essential tool for getting their cholesterol down to a healthier level. Your family doctor can evaluate your cholesterol level, family medical history, and other risk factors to develop a comprehensive picture of your risk for heart attack and stroke to help you make the best treatment decision.
If you have concerns about cholesterol or heart health and would like to speak with one of our caring medical professionals, contact our West Sacramento or Greenhaven family practice office for an appointment. Your River Bend Medical Associates family doctor can address your concerns about high cholesterol, perform a physical exam, and determine if further testing is needed. As part of your medical team, we are here to provide you with the best care in all aspects of your healthcare needs. For more information on our family medical practice, or to make an appointment, contact River Bend Medical Associates, or call 916-392-4000.
