Statin drugs, such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin and simvastatin, are the drugs of first choice to lower cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. Statin drugs, also called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, block an enzyme called 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase involved with production of cholesterol in the liver. Statin drugs are effective in lowering cholesterol as an adjunct to a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat. However, these drugs can also have harmful effects and side effects.
Health Effects
Cholesterol lowering drugs, such as statins, can lower LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, by 20 to 40 percent and elevate HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Results can appear within a few weeks and maximum effects in four to six weeks. Furthermore, these drugs can decrease heart attacks and mortality from heart disease. Research by S. Stendere published in "Diabetes Obesity Metabolism" in 2005 discovered that statin therapy is effective in reducing LDL cholesterol in patients who have diabetes and are obese. Furthermore, the research demonstrates that rosuvastatin is superior to other statins in lowering cholesterol levels. Plant sterols, such as soy stanols, in tablet form can boost the effects of lowering LDL cholesterol in patients taking statin drugs, according to research by A.C. Goldberg published in the "American Journal of Cardiology" in 2006.
Harmful Effects
Statins are safe for most people, but are not recommended for pregnant patients or those with active or chronic liver disease, according to MedlinePlus. Research by R.J. Edison published in "American Journal of Medical Genetics" in 2004 discovered that statins cause birth defects. The research showed that cerivastatin and lovastatin are associated with central nervous system defects in prenatal development, and simvastatin, lovastatin and atorvastatin are associated with arm and leg deficiencies and defects. The product label for Lipitor, a brand name cholesterol-lowering drug that contains atorvastatin, warns that the drug can cause liver enzyme abnormalities that could lead to permanent liver damage, and hemorrhagic stroke that involves bleeding in the brain. Statins can also cause a rare, yet serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, in which the muscle cells break down and release myoglobin into the blood, causing kidney failure and death, according to MayoClinic.com. Myoglobin is a protein in muscles that uses oxygen.
Side Effects
Cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins, are well tolerated by most people, yet they can have side effects that include nausea, diarrhea, constipation and muscle aches and joint pain, according to MayoClinic.com. The product label for Lipitor says the most reported adverse reactions include inflammation of the sinus and pharynx; pain in the joints, arms and legs; and urinary tract infections. Other side effects include upset stomach, insomnia, gas, inflammation of the liver, muscle fatigue, swelling of the joints, blurred vision and ringing in the ears.
References
- American Heart Association: Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Statins
- "Diabetes Obesity Metabolism"; Comparison of Rosuvastatin With Atorvastatin, Simvastatin and Pravastatin in Cholesterol Goals; Stender; July 2005
- "American Journal of Cardiology"; Effect of Plant Stanol Tablets on Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Lowering in Patients on Statin Drugs; A.C. Goldberg; Feb. 1, 2006
- MedlinePlus: Statins
