The cholesterol lowering drugs commonly known as statin drugs are the best selling drugs on the market today. In fact, Lipitor, a Pfizer drug, is the number one prescription drug yielding more than $10 billion in sales. If it were up to the pharmaceutical companies, statins would be in everyone’s bathroom cabinet! The marketing for these drugs have been phenomenal.
High cholesterol is but just one of many factors that can impact heart health. There are many others including smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, infection, increased level of the stress hormone cortisol, vitamin C deficiency, as well as increased levels of homocysteine.
Cholesterol is actually necessary for functioning of the human body. There are five main functions:
- Cholesterol is used to manufacture steroids, including the sex hormones.
- Cholesterol helps the liver produce bile acids. This helps in the digestion of fats.
- Cholesterol helps to stabilize cell membranes.
- Cholesterol is a vital part of the myelin sheath which aids in nerve impulse transmission.
- Cholesterol is essential in the functioning of the immune system.
Early Trials
Of the 19 trial studies conducted on statin drugs from 1990- 1999, all had gender and age bias. The majority of participants included only middle-aged men. Several important groups, such as women, minority men and women, and elderly men and woman, were excluded.
Side Effects
The dangers of statin drugs are rarely included in their promotion yet side effects are common.
- One of the dangers of statin drugs is its ability to decrease CoQ10, leading to congestive heart failure. CoQ10 is a vital substance that ensures that the energy production within the heart occurs. Decreasing CoQ10 leads to congestive heart failure because the heart muscle is weakened.
- Another potential side effect is decreased memory and ability to focus. Cholesterol is vital to facilitate nerve transmission; without it this is impacted. Some individuals experience severe and long lasting memory problems.
- Liver disorders occur in approximately 1% of the patients taking a statin medication. With a doubling of the dose of the statin, liver enzymes also double. It is imperative that your liver function tests be checked on a routine basis.
- A common side effect of the statin medication is muscle aches as well as abdominal discomfort. All of these are dose related.
Dosing
As was mentioned before, studies using the statins were performed using a narrow range of the population. This means that dosing recommendations are ideally for that particular population. Prescribing the same dose for other populations may cause side effects or even toxic results as optimum amounts are unknown.
The Bottom Line
The responsibility for your health rests with you; educate yourself and partner with a trusted health care provider so that the best treatment is provided for your individual needs. Don’t be afraid to question.
Sources
- Ellison, S. (2006). The Hidden Truth About Cholesterol Lowering Drugs. Kearney: Morris Publishing.
Disclaimer- The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a health care provider for advice.
Rosemary King - Stay well; stay healthy; stay focused.
