What is Statin: Uses and Side Effects

What is Statin?

Statin is a type of drug that is formulated to lower the cholesterol level in the blood. The drug is mainly responsible in reducing the cholesterol production. The major source of the cholesterol in the blood is the dietary cholesterol. In regards to this, the statin is responsible in blocking the enzyme produced in the liver which is responsible in making cholesterol. The enzyme is a reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) called hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme. In scientific term, statin is referred to as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

One important component in making every cell function normally is cholesterol. However, this also contributes to the development of a heart ailment called atherosclerosis or the build up and hardening of fats on the walls of arteries. The cholesterol is building as plaques and blocks the normal flow of the blood. When the plaques blocks arteries, the blood flow is reduced thereby giving insufficient amount of blood and oxygen on various parts of the body.

• When there is no enough blood supply, the person can possibly suffer from angina pectoris or most commonly known as chest pain or sometimes lead to heart attack.
• However, if the supply of blood going to the brain is insufficient, the result would be a higher risk of acquiring stroke.
• For reduced blood flow going to the leg, the result would be pain in the legs while walking or intermittent claudication.

Through the reduction of cholesterol, statins are acting by slowing down the formation of new plaques and sometimes can reduce the size of existing plaques. Additionally, through mechanisms that are not quite understood, statins can also stabilize the plaques in which will turn them less prone to develop clots and rupture.

Cholesterol has an important role in developing atherosclerosis and this is widely accepted by scientists. Just few years ago, researches revealed what is more beneficial is the aggressive reduction of cholesterol compared to modest reduction.

Aren’t familiar with atherosclerosis? This is a composite process that does not only involve cholesterol but there are other factors as well. In fact, scientists have discovered that the inflammation of the walls of the arteries could be an important factor in developing atherosclerosis. The function of statin, aside from lowering high amount of cholesterol in the blood, also reduces the inflammation. This is another mechanism in which statin is beneficial. However, the decrease in inflammation does not mainly depend on the ability of the statin.

Utilization of Statin

Statin in the first place is utilized in treating and preventing atherosclerosis that causes heart attack, chest pain, stroke and intermittent claudication. On the other hand, statin has risk factors too which includes:

1. Aging
2. Abnormal elevation of cholesterol
3. Family history of heart attack
4. Diabetes

Differences among Statins

Statins differ in many ways and the most apparent difference is their ability to reduce excess cholesterol. In recent times, the most potent statins are the Lipitor or atorvastatin and Crestor or rosuvastatin. The least potent on the other and is the Lescol or the fluvastatin.

Statins are also differing on how strong they react with other drugs. To be more specific, both Pravachol and Crestor are less likely to be affected once other drugs are taken at the same time they are taken. This is possible because of the liver enzymes that eliminate rosuvastatin and pravastatin and are not blocked by drugs that block the enzyme responsible in eliminating statins.

Statin Side Effects

Using statin can cause side effects if not utilized properly or if this drug usual to cause side effects.

• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Rashes
• Muscle pain and weakness

1. Also, statin can cause some serious side effects such as rhabdomyolysis and liver failure. However, a severe liver damage can rarely happen but more often; statin can cause some abnormalities on liver tests.
2. The rhabdomyolysis is also a rare condition that is a side effect of using statin. This damages the muscles and most often begin with a muscle pain that can progress to muscle cells death, failure of the kidney and even death. This is possible if statins are used together with a certain medication that themselves cause rhabdomyolysis.
3. Statins can as well affect the developing baby if the mother is pregnant and using statin as her medication. That is why; using statin during pregnancy is discouraged.
4. Studies have also shown that even though statins reduces risk of major health problems by up to 35%, they can as well reduce the chances of recurrent stroke or heart attack by 40%. In taking statin, one must consult a doctor and have his blood tested by an expert in order to identify the current amount of cholesterol in blood so that proper amount of statin will be prescribed. In order to identify the amount of cholesterol, the test will determine the level of your good cholesterol and bad cholesterol.
5. Another serious side effect is having an elevated CPK. CPK stands for creatine and kinase, these are enzymes found in the muscles which when elevated can cause muscle pain, weakness and mild inflammation.

Statin can work efficiently if the patient will maintain and practice a healthy lifestyle such as eating the right food for his current health condition, it is also better to eat foods that are heart friendly. In addition, it will also contribute a good result if there is a daily physical activity such as exercise like jogging, bicycling and sports such as basketball and badminton. However, this must be only mild exercises just to burn excess fats in the body and improve blood circulation.

If you are a person that uses to drink alcoholic beverages, it could be the right time to stop this habit. This is one factor in developing a fatty liver. Also, avoid or quit smoking. This habit could actually make the condition worst. The nicotine acquired when smoking is building up on the walls of the arteries causing blockage.

Things to Remember:

Before suffering from various health risks, better practice a healthy lifestyle. You know what I mean; a healthy diet combined with a proper and regular exercise will definitely help you achieve a fit body. Foods that are nutritious and contain less cholesterol are best.

Reference:

www.medicinenet.com/statins/article.htm

www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/side-effects-of-statin-drugs