Statins (also known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors) are the most widely prescribed class of drugs. Statins prevent cholesterol production in the liver. Leonard Lily, M.D., states that depending on the type of statins prescribed low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels (bad cholesterol) can be reduced by 20 to 55 percent and triglycerides by 7 to 30 percent. Evidence has also shown that high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels (good cholesterol) may increase by 5 to 15 percent.
Terminology
The terminology associated with cholesterol is important to review so you can fully understand how statins work. The following key terms are important words to recognize when learning about statins, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
LDL carries cholesterol in the blood and deposits it in the walls of the blood vessels.
Triglycerides are fats carried in the blood from food. Empty calorie foods such as alcohol and sugar are converted in the body into triglycerides and are stored as fat.
HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries and transports it back to the liver to be excreted.
Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) are circulating substances that forms LDL and carry triglycerides into the bloodstream.
Cholesterol Process
Your body deposits LDL into your arteries when your cholesterol is too high. The deposits reduce the amount of blood able to flow through your arteries. When there are too many deposits, it occludes an artery, increasing your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Statins Function
Statins inhibit the enzyme HMG CoA reductase, a prime factor in the making of cholesterol within the liver. Inhibiting the production of cholesterol causes LDL levels to decline due to a decrease in the substances that form LDL (VLDL). Reduced VLDL levels prohibit extra triglycerides to be carried into circulation, thus reducing the amount of triglycerides in the blood. With less LDL, there is a reduced amount of cholesterol deposits to the arteries, reducing your overall risk for heart attack and stroke.
Patients
Statins are mainly prescribed to coronary artery disease patients but may be prescribed to individuals with high LDL and triglyceride levels if changes in diet and exercise are not sufficient.
The following statins commonly prescribed in order (lowest to highest) in reducing LDL: Fluvastatin, Lovastatin, Pravastatin, Simvastatin, Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin.
Side Effects
The American Heart Association says statins are usually well tolerated. Side effects are generally mild but may include headache, rash, stomach pain, muscle pain, diarrhea or constipation. Rare potential adverse effects are hepatotoxicity and myotoxicity (skeletal muscle toxicity). Tell your doctor if you are experiencing any adverse side effects.
References
- "Pathophysiology of heart disease. 4th edition;" Lily; 2007
- American Heart Association: Cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Cleveland Clinic: How to lower your cholesterol
