Statins, also called HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, are a particular category of lipid-reducing drugs which reduce morbidity and mortality among people who are already at high risk of coronary disease.
They are the most commonly used cholesterol-reducing drugs for the treatment of high cholesterol levels.
The function of statins works by lowering the amount of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. This is done by inhibiting the enzyme in the liver responsible for the conversion of cholesterol into bile acid. LDL (low density lipoprotein) is considered the “bad” cholesterol. It clogs arteries and leads to atherosclerosis. Statins are prescribed to reduce LDL cholesterol by stopping the enzyme responsible for this conversion from working.
Other statin drugs include apixaban and azithromycin. These are used in combination with statins to treat the problems of high cholesterol and atherosclerosis, but in different ways. Apixaban acts by decreasing cholesterol absorption by stopping the synthesis of new LDL.
Statins are available over the counter in the UK and these can be used to treat the symptoms of high cholesterol without the need for surgery. They can be taken by people with or without pre-existing heart problems.
If you are planning to use statin drugs, it is advisable to have your doctor monitor your health regularly. By following the advice of your doctor, you can monitor your health and find out if your cholesterol levels need to be treated.
As with all other prescription drugs, there are some known side effects to statins that have been reported; these include loss of weight, heart failure and an increased risk of cancer. To minimise the possible side effects, take statins only under the supervision of your doctor.
Another problem to be aware of is the effect they have on blood pressure. High blood pressure can be a serious problem.
To treat it, you will probably have to switch from statins to another type of drug, but there is a potential risk of more serious complications. For this reason, only a doctor should prescribe any type of drug to you.
It is essential to make sure that you get regular statin testing. This will monitor your cholesterol levels, as well as check to make sure you are taking the correct dosage.
Statins are not suitable for all people who are trying to lose weight. If you are over the age of 50, it is advised that you talk to your doctor first, before you start taking statins. This is because you might put you at risk of liver damage and kidney problems.
Statins can help control your cholesterol, but you might not be able to maintain the weight loss you are looking for without taking them. In fact, studies show that taking statins can make you gain even more weight. The reason for this is that they increase your cholesterol and this makes it harder to burn off fat.
Statins also cause changes to your hormones. Your body’s natural ability to regulate them decreases when you take them, so your body may not be able to cope with them at the same rate as it did before. If you have any other medical condition, such as diabetes, it may have an impact on your ability to regulate your levels of cholesterol.
Statins can sometimes increase the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation in your body. This is why they can cause acne in some people.
Statins do not have any harmful side effects, but you should discuss them with your doctor before starting any new medication. Make sure you are aware of all the possible problems that you could face.