Statins: How the drug prevents heart attacks and strokes
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Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is a waxy substance that sticks to the inside of your artery walls. This can lay the groundwork for heart disease so the cholesterol-lowering effect of taking statins is an important intervention.
Like most medications, there is a cost-benefit analysis to consider before taking them.
That’s because statins – like all medicines – cause a number of side effects.
The side effects associated with taking statins are generally divided into two categories – common and uncommon.
According to Bupa, uncommon side effects, which it defines as those that affect one in 100 people, includes changes in sensation.
“For example, you might have numbness in your fingers or changes in taste sensation,” explains the health body.
Other less common side effects include:
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Sleep disturbances such as nightmares or insomnia
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- A rash
- Feeling very tired
- Neck pain or tired muscles.
How to respond to side effects
“If you find certain side effects particularly troublesome, talk to the doctor in charge of your care,” advises the NHS.
“Your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need a different type of statin,” says the health body.
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How do statins work?
The primary function of taking statins is to lower your cholesterol.
“They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol,” explains the Mayo Clinic.
It is worth noting that lowering cholesterol isn’t the only benefit associated with statins.
“These medications have also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke,” explains the Mayo Clinic.
The health body adds: “These drugs may help stabilise the plaques on blood vessel walls and reduce the risk of certain blood clots.”
Alternatives to statins
Statins are not the only protective measure you can take against high cholesterol levels.
There are a number of lifestyle changes proven to reduce harmful cholesterol levels.
“To reduce your cholesterol, try to cut down on fatty food, especially food that contains a type of fat called saturated fat,” advises the NHS.
As the health body notes, you can still have foods that contain a healthier type of fat called unsaturated fat.
Unsaturated fats can be found in the following foods:
- Oily fish, like mackerel and salmon
- Brown rice, bread and pasta
- Nuts and seeds
- Fruits and vegetables.
Many of the above items can be found in a Mediterranean diet, which high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil.
It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods.
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