2023-05-29 07:30:00
High cholesterol can be life threatening. Statins are one way to lower cholesterol.
The dietary fat cholesterol is vital for the body. For example, it is crucial for the production of certain hormones, vitamin D and bile acids. Elevated cholesterol levels pose a long-term health risk. Statins have long been considered a reliable drug in the fight against high cholesterol levels.
Lowering cholesterol with drugs: prejudice against statins unjustified
Elevated cholesterol levels can have different causes. According to the Health Knowledge Foundation Not enough exercise, poor nutrition, obesity, as well as hormonal changes, such as those that take place during menopause or pregnancy, can be the reason.
Cholesterol is a fat that the body has to break down into small particles for transport. These particles are called lipoproteins. There are different groups of lipoproteins, the most well-known are those so-called low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Researchers assume that a high LDL value can be associated with vascular diseases. According to the heart foundation Calcification of the vessels and can lead to more plaque deposits in the vessels.
Very few side effects from statins
If this case occurs, a drug treatment necessary. It is not uncommon for statins to be used. Statins help the body reduce cholesterol production. This is achieved by the statins inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for cholesterol production. Active ingredients that are used for this are, for example:
- Atorvastatin
- Simvastatin
- Rosuvastatin
In addition, statins have an anti-inflammatory effect and can stabilize deposits in the blood vessels. They are particularly useful for patients who have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease have. These include, for example people with diabetes, severe obesity, high blood pressure or people who smoke. Statins are less effective in people who have no underlying medical conditions.
According to that health information service is the risk for serious side effects very low for statins. Possible side effects are, for example, muscle pain or, in severe but very rare cases, a so-called rhabdomyolysis. Here, muscle fibers in certain muscles slowly dissolve, which can lead to paralysis. In studies, however, this side effect could only be detected in one in 10,000 people. Incidentally, long-term use of statins is not problematic. The body has mechanisms to break down and eliminate the drug over time.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about clinical pictures.
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