Statins are a form of medication often used to lower your cardiovascular system's cholesterol. They are often prescribed to individuals who have suffered a heart attack and sometimes are recommended to people at risk for heart attacks, although the "Los Angeles Times" reports the medicine may not help prevent heart attacks. Statins can also have side effects, and though heart rate changes are not typical, they should be addressed by a doctor if you experience them while using the medication.
Function
Statins lower blood cholesterol by blocking your body's ability to absorb a substance needed to produce cholesterol. According to the Mayo Clinic, statins can also help the body absorb already existing cholesterol that has built up on the artery walls. This can help prevent a blockage from developing.
Risk Factors
High cholesterol isn't the only risk factor assessed when determining whether you should be on statins. In fact, it takes more than cholesterol to put you on medications that prevent the risk of heart attack or stroke. These include a family history of high cholesterol and/or heart disease, inactivity, high blood pressure, advanced age, diabetes, smoking, obesity or peripheral artery disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Side Effects
You may suffer from one of several side effects when taking statins. Although changes to your heart rate are not listed among these side effects, liver damage can occur and be permanent if action is not taken by your doctor. You may also experience muscle pain and/or tenderness. In severe cases, you can experience the breakdown of muscle cells, and a chemical release from this breakdown can damage your kidneys.
Considerations
One drawback to the use of statins in lowering your cholesterol is that the statins are effective only when present in your system. As soon as you stop taking them, though, your cholesterol will start to creep back up. Because of this, statins are often a lifelong commitment, or used only as a holdover until lifestyle changes can catch up and promote low cholesterol without the use of medications.
Relationship
There is no direct relationship between the use of statins and any changes in your heart rate. However, this does not mean the use of statins may not contribute to a medical situation leading to elevated heart rate. Because of the potential for statins to affect other conditions or risk factors present in the body, as well as the possibility of unwanted medication interactions, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience a sudden change in your heart rate while taking statins.
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