Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American men and women. An unhealthy diet, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to increased cholesterol and triglycerides, which are primary risk factors that cause heart disease. High levels of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol commonly coincide with high triglyceride levels. Statins are one type of medication used primarily to treat LDL cholesterol, with an additional benefit of lowering triglycerides.
Triglyceride Functions and Levels
Triglycerides are a form of fat primarily stored in adipose tissue, but they also circulate in your blood. Extra calories consumed from foods that are not immediately used as energy become stored triglycerides. In between meals, the stored triglycerides are released from the fat tissue and used as energy. Your triglyceride levels rise as a result of consuming more calories than you burn each day, eating foods high in simple sugars, or excessive consumption of foods with natural sugars and saturated fats. Healthy triglyceride levels fall below 150mg, and borderline-to-high levels range from 151mg to 499mg. Interventions include dietary and physical activity changes in combination with possible medications. Very high triglycerides of 500mg or more require medications, because the risk of developing other health complications increases.
Relationship of Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Cholesterol is naturally made by your body to produce hormones and build cells for digestion. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance, whereas triglycerides are fats. Although cholesterol and triglycerides are separate forms of lipids circulating in your blood, MayoClinic.com explains that these substances are essentially transported together in packages called lipoproteins, to carry out the various necessary bodily functions. High-density lipoproteins are helpful transporters because they cleanse your blood of bad fats. Low-density and very-low-density lipoproteins are transporters that carry excess triglycerides and cholesterol that leads to arterial blockage. Treatment for high cholesterol with statins inadvertently helps to lower triglyceride levels, however, this is not always the case depending on your specific triglyceride level.
Statin Benefits
Statins are the most effective form of treatment for high LDL cholesterol because they inhibit the liver enzyme responsible for making this form of cholesterol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You are likely to get a statin prescription recommendation if you test in the range of 240mg or above for high blood cholesterol and high to very high triglyceride levels. Commonly prescribed statins include atorvastatin, simvastatin and rosuvastatin calcium. In some instances, combination statin medications are prescribed to maximize your chances of lowering triglycerides and raising HDL levels.
Statin Side Effects
Statins have the risk of such side effects as nausea, digestive upset, headaches and muscle aches. Muscle cramping caused by tissue breakdown is a rare effect caused by taking statins. This type of medication can impair your liver, and your physician may conduct periodic blood tests to determine liver enzymes levels. Statins can interact with medications used for high blood pressure, depression or anxiety disorders, and antibiotics. Consult your physician regarding the interactions and side effects of statins.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Triglycerides; Why Do They Matter?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Drug Treatment Statins
- American Heart Association: Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
- Cleveland Clinic: How Foods Affect Triglycerides
- Lab Tests Online: Triglycerides
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heart Disease Facts
