We also cover side effects and how a person can choose the right statin to suit their needs. They reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood.
LDL cholesterol, which people sometimes refer to as bad cholesterol, can build up in the arteries and form plaque. This plaque can block blood flow in the arteries, leading to heart attack and stroke. Statins block an enzyme in the liver that makes cholesterol, which reduces the risk of plaque buildup. Statins may also help the body remove cholesterol that has started to accumulate in the arteries.
Conversely, high-density lipoprotein HDL , or good, cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Doctors consider HDL cholesterol to be beneficial because it can transport other forms of cholesterol from the blood to the liver, which helps the body get rid of bad cholesterol.
It is important that a person taking statins follows the advice of their prescribing doctor regarding the time of day to take them. The recommended time, which is something that a person should discuss with their doctor, will vary depending on the type of statin. A systematic review found that short-acting statins worked best when people took them in the evening. The people who took these statins toward the end of the day had lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels compared with the people who took them in the morning.
Another review came to the same conclusion. Short-acting statins work better at night because the liver enzyme that produces cholesterol is more active at this time. Most short-acting statins have a half-life of 6 hours. It takes longer for the body to process long-acting statins, which may have a half-life of up to 19 hours.
The two reviews above noted that long-acting statins worked equally well whether a person took them in the morning or the evening. Therefore, people taking long-acting statins can choose which time of the day best suits them. The authors recommend that people using long-acting statins take them at a time of day that is easy for them to remember. It is important to be consistent with the timing of doses, so if a person prefers to take statins in the morning, they should take them in the morning every day.
People who are taking statins may need to take them indefinitely. In many cases, when a person stops taking statins, their cholesterol levels increase again. Some people might be able to stop taking statins or reduce their dosage if they significantly lower their risk of heart disease. A person may do this by losing a significant amount of weight, quitting smoking , or making other major lifestyle changes that improve their health. Even in these cases though, a person should talk to a doctor before they stop taking statins or any other medications.
Statins come in a range of types and dosages. A person can discuss with their doctor which type of statin may work best for them. If a person has an increased risk of heart disease, their doctor may prescribe a higher dosage or a long-acting statin.
Conversely, a person with less risk of heart disease may start on a lower dosage or a short-acting statin. Recent evidence suggests that many people can benefit from taking statins, even if they do not have high blood cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association say that statins can benefit people who have an average risk of heart disease, especially when they take them in combination with medications to lower blood pressure. This is because the cholesterol-making enzyme is more active at night.
Also, the half-life, or the amount of time it takes for half the dose to leave your body, of some statins is short. Simvastatin is an example of a statin that works better if taken in the evening. Lovastatin should be taken with dinner.
However, the extended-release version of lovastatin, Altoprev, should be taken at bedtime. Studies show that some of the newer statins can be just as effective when taken in the morning. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are more potent than older statins.
They have half-lives of at least 14 hours. Follow directions carefully for maximum effectiveness. Your doctor knows your personal medical issues and is your best source for information. Always ask if your statin should be taken with food or at a specific time of day. Statins work best when taken at the same time each day. With some statins, drinking grapefruit juice, or eating grapefruit, is a bad idea. Grapefruit juice can cause that statin to stay in your body much longer, and the drug can build up.
This can increase the risk of muscle breakdown, liver damage, and even kidney failure. Statins can also interact with other medications, so tell your doctor about all the drugs you take. That includes supplements, over-the-counter medications, and prescription drugs.
Statins can be effective in getting your cholesterol under control, but they come with risks. Some common side effects include muscle and joint aches, nausea, and headache. Serious risks include damage to your muscles, kidneys, and liver.
If you have type 2 diabetes, statins may increase your blood sugar levels. Companies such as RXLive provide prescription management services that allow you to order medication from the comfort of your own home. The company also delivers all prescriptions to your chosen delivery address completely free within 48 hours. Therefore, you may wish to sign-up for the free service to ensure you never miss a statin again! Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb uterus are found elsewhere in….
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