Microblog: Truth About Statins & Dietary Cholesterol
Watch the clip here.
Statins block an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase that then reduces cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol production in the body.
Supposedly, lowering total and LDL-cholesterol is considered important to reduce a person’s risk of developing heart disease or stroke. (NOTE: make sure to read my next post regarding this…TEASER: this isn’t necessarily true.)
SIDE EFFECTS OF STATINS
Serious muscle effects have been reported with statins, including rhabdomyolysis (destruction of muscle cells). People 65+ taking certain meds, who drink more than 2 alcohol drinks daily, OR has kidney disease, may have more serious side effects.
Per drugs.com, mild muscle pain is a common side effect of statins. (oh, okay…)
Statins can affect the liver or cause jaundice. This may require discontinuation.
Statins can affect diabetes markers (HbA1c or fasting glucose), and may not be suitable in those with liver or kidney disease.
Statins may not be suitable for people with a recent history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
People with active liver disease or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take statins.
Statins have been associated with memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, and confusion. These symptoms usually resolve with discontinuation. (mayoclinic.org)
THOUGHTS
The 2020 British Medical Journal, found that 75% of the 35 trials reported no reduction in mortality among the participants that took the cholesterol-lowering drugs.
50% of people that have heart attack events have normal cholesterol levels.
Lipitor (a statin) showed that only 1 of 100 people with high cholesterol benefited from taking statins. So 1% of people with high cholesterol benefit with statins.
Statins are a billion dollar ANNUAL business. Lipitor went on sale in 1997. It’s the best-selling drug of ALL TIME.
If you get more adverse effects by taking medication, maybe the medication isn’t the right answer.
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