This Morning: Dr Chris reveals grapefruit can affect statins
Too much “bad” cholesterol in the body can lead to life-threatening conditions. Yet, the use of statins can reduce it by up to 50 percent with high doses. Do note there may be risks associated with strong medication. The cholesterol charity Heart UK noted: “Side effects can occur with all medications.” In terms of statins, the two most commonly reported side effects are muscle aches and pains.
Heart UK explained these muscle aches and pains tend to occur all over the body.
If you suspect your muscles aches and pains are caused by statins, coming off the medication for a few days – under the supervision of a doctor – can help determine if they’re responsible for the side effects.
Should this be the case, the doctor will review the medication you’re on and will either lower your dosage or trial a different type of statin.
Don’t suffer in silence – there are five different statins prescribed in the UK, so you can find the one that works for you.
The five types of statins in the UK
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol)
- Pravastatin (Lipostat)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
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Finding the best type of statins medication that works for you is important.
This is because unaddressed muscle aches and pain can progress to other muscle related problems.
For example, myopathy – a type of muscle disease – might develop, where the muscle no longer functions adequately.
Although rare, myositis (inflammation of the muscle) and rhabomyolosis (where muscle cells are broken down) can too develop.
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How do statins work?
Statins work by slowing down the production of LDL “bad” cholesterol in the liver.
It does this by blocking an enzyme protein called HMG-CoA-Reductase, which typically speeds up the production of LDL cholesterol.
When the liver doesn’t produce much cholesterol, it then takes cholesterol out of your blood to create bile.
As a result, blood cholesterol levels fall, reducing the risk of plaque forming on the arteries.
Statins medications are usually taken for life, as cholesterol levels will rise again when you stop taking them.
It’ll take up to three months for the medication to start working when you’re first prescribed them.
To benefit the most from statins, Heart UK recommend taking the daily tablet at the same time every day.
Should you forget to take your medication one day, carry on as normal the next day.
This means taking just one tablet that day, even if you missed the previous dosage.
Even though statins are effective at lowering cholesterol levels, leading a healthy lifestyle is still advised.
To help prevent further health conditions, it’s best to eat healthily and to be physically active.
Looking after yourself can help lower blood pressure, your weight and can help you live longer.
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