Being Well,  Columns

Being Well with LGBTSr: The Stats On Statins

March 23, 2020 /

Being Well is a regular feature at LGBTSr highlighting health and wellness.

I never wanted to be that older adult with a pillbox that has the weekdays on it, and inside, several medications to be taken at mealtime, before mealtime, at bedtime, or some combination of them all. But here I am, 61 and on a statin for elevated cholesterol, something I’d been cautioned about for years but never treated for. So what are statins? And are they safe?

What are statins

Statins, also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are a class of lipid-lowering medications that reduce illness and mortality in those who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. They are the most common cholesterol-lowering drugs. (Wikipedia) 

Statins are often prescribed by doctors to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. By lowering the levels, they help prevent heart attacks and stroke. Studies show that, in certain people, statins reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death from heart disease by about 25% to 35%.

What are indications for taking a statin?

From Mayo Clinic

Whether you need to be on a statin depends on your cholesterol levels and other risk factors for heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. Your doctor will consider all of your risk factors for heart attacks and strokes before prescribing a statin.

Knowing your cholesterol numbers is a good place to start.

  • Total cholesterol. Most people should try to keep their total cholesterol below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Aim to keep this “bad” cholesterol under 100 mg/dL, or 2.6 mmol/L. If you have a history of heart attacks or you’re at a very high risk of a heart attack or stroke, you may need to aim even lower (below 70 mg/dL, or 1.8 mmol/L).

The most important thing your doctor will keep in mind when thinking about statin treatment is your long-term risk of a heart attack or stroke. If your risk is very low, you probably won’t need a statin, unless your LDL is above 190 mg/dL (4.92 mmol/L).

If your risk is very high — for example, you’ve had a heart attack in the past — a statin may be helpful even if you don’t have high cholesterol.

Besides cholesterol, other risk factors for heart disease and stroke are:

  • Tobacco use
  • Lack of exercise
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Narrowed arteries in your neck, arms or legs (peripheral artery disease)
  • Family history of heart disease, especially if it was before the age of 55 in male relatives or before 65 in female relatives
  • Older age 

What are the most common statins?

*I take Atorvastatin (generic Lipitor)

Statins that are approved for use in the U.S. include:

  • atorvastatin (Lipitor),
  • fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL),
  • lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev),
  • pravastatin (Pravachol),
  • rosuvastatin (Crestor),
  • simvastatin (Zocor), and.
  • pitavastatin (Livalo).

What are the possible effects of statins?

From WebMD

Most people who take statin drugs tolerate them very well. But some people experience side effects.

The most common statin side effects include:

Statins also carry warnings that memory loss, mental confusion, neuropathy, high blood sugar, and type 2 diabetes are possible side effects. It’s important to remember that statins may also interact with other medications you take.

What are some alternatives to statins? 

*I also use red rice yeast and CoQ10.

For a more natural approach, you can research the following and discuss with your physician or a licensed herbalist:

From Healthline

Red rice yeast

Red yeast rice is a product of the yeast that grows on rice. In parts of Asia, it’s a common component of people’s diets. As a supplement, it’s used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including high cholesterol, diarrhea, and heartburn.

The active ingredient in red yeast rice is a compound called monacolins, which blocks the production of cholesterol. This is also an ingredient found in the statin lovastatin. According to the Mayo Clinic, using red yeast rice can also reduce your total blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Psyllium

Psyllium is an herb that’s often used to treat constipation because it contains large amounts of fiber. It’s found in products like Metamucil.

The seed and husk are the parts of the plant used for medical purposes. Psyllium is sold in powder form. It can be added to your foods or mixed with water. Daily doses of 10 to 12 grams are recommended for lowering your LDL cholesterol.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a plant that grows in parts of Europe and western Asia. Its small brown seeds have a long history of being used to help different medical conditions. According to a 2016 studyTrusted Source, there’s some clinical evidence that dietary fenugreek may help lower cholesterol.

You can buy fenugreek as a spice in whole or powdered form. Seeds for cooking are usually found in Indian spice stores or in the international food section of your grocery store.

Fish oil

Fish — like salmon, tuna, sardines, and anchovies — are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These can help lower your triglyceride levels and provide protection against heart disease. If you don’t get enough fish in your diet, you can take daily fish oil supplements.

Healthy lifestyle changes

Even if you’re taking a medication, you should still practice healthy habits. Making the right dietary changes and getting enough regular exercise are effective at helping you reduce cholesterol levels.

On the exercise front, physical activity helps you lose weight and boosts your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

HDL cholesterol is known as the “good” cholesterol and protects you from heart disease. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate cardio activities daily, like brisk walking, bike riding, playing sports, and swimming.

When it comes to eating, try to get more fiber, and focus on complex carbohydrates rather than simple ones.

Mark McNease is the editor of LGBTSr.com, “where age is embraced and life is celebrated.”