1. Get the LDL Down
If you're on a statin, then your liver should produce less low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This is because statins inhibit an enzyme known as HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme plays an integral role in the production of LDL cholesterol in the liver. Therefore, if you're taking a statin, you're reducing the amount of available HMG-CoA reductase, which subsequently reduces your LDL cholesterol levels.
2. Starting a Statin
Statins are prescribed for people at risk of developing artherosclerosis. This includes people with high cholesterol, a family history of heart attacks, older people and diabetics. There are a variety of statins on the market, including Lipitor, Lescol, Zocor, Lipostat and Crestor. These statins differ in a variety of ways. Some statins, such as Lipitor and Crestor, are more potent than Lescol. In addition, some statins are more likely to cause muscle pain and subsequent damage. Finding the right statin for you is a process.
3. Learn the Drawbacks of Statins
While statins have a powerful positive effect, they may also produce negative side effects. Statin users commonly report symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation and muscle pain. Frequently, these side effects subside as the body adjusts to statins. More serious side effects include damage to the liver and muscles. Consequently, doctors request regular liver function tests to monitor levels of enzymes in the liver. In addition, doctors carefully monitor the patient's reports of muscles pains. Persistent muscle pain may indicate rhabdomyolysis, which means muscle cells are breaking down. This is dangerous because as the muscle breaks down, it releases myoglobin into the bloodstream, putting the patient at risk for kidney dysfunction.
4. Possible Secondary Benefits
Statins may do more than just lower LDL cholesterol. Some research suggests that statins have other positive side effects. For example, a few studies indicate that statins reduce the risk of osteoporosis, arthritis and fractures. Other positive effects noted by research include a reduced risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's and cancer. While some people see this as good news, additional studies seem to contradict the findings of early studies. Consequently, doctors don't prescribe statins for any of the aforementioned secondary benefits.
5. Staying on Statin
It's important to stay on statins, even after you've seen a drop in your cholesterol levels. Statins help to maintain low cholesterol; however, their effects aren't permanent. If you stop taking the statins, it's very likely that you'll see your cholesterol numbers go up again. The only exception to this may be for a person who makes significant lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy, exercising, cutting out smoking and lowering blood pressure. Otherwise, the use of statins is a lifetime commitment.
