Are statins harmful, which are the most effective and safe? Side effects of statins Side effects of statins

Patients who have a high cholesterol index in the blood are prescribed drugs of the pharmacological group statins to lower them.

This group of drugs is aimed at reducing the risk of developing vascular pathologies and diseases of the heart organ.

Statins prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis with a high cholesterol index.

Statin drugs, while having a good medicinal effect, have quite a lot of side effects, so the doctor selects the drug and dosage in accordance with the individual characteristics of the human body.

Cholesterol is a fatty alcohol that is essential for the functioning of all cell membranes of living organisms. 20.0% of total cholesterol enters the body with food, and 80.0% is synthesized by the body independently.

There are two types of cholesterol - good and bad:

• Good cholesterol- these are high molecular density lipoproteins that cleanse the bloodstream of excess fat and protect the body from diseases of the heart organ and systemic pathologies;
• Bad cholesterol- These are low molecular density lipoproteins that settle on the inner sides of the membranes and cause the development of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke.

The cells of the liver and endocrine organ - the adrenal glands - are responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol molecules. The principle of action of statins in the body is the inhibition of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which reduces the production of cholesterol through the mevalone pathway.

Working on this principle, all statins are inhibitors of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase.

By suppressing the production of cholesterol molecules, statins increase the ability to survive myocardial cells, which becomes protection against the development of myocardial infarction.

Classification

In medicine and pharmacology, there are several principles for classifying statin drugs.

The first division is based on the origin of the medicine:

• Natural natural statins;
• Semi-mystical drugs that are obtained by chemical processing of natural components;
• Synthetic medicines, completely obtained by chemical means.

Classification according to the chemical structure of the drug:

• Decalin ring;
• Fluorophenyl group;
• Methyl subgroup.

Statins are divided into generations, but their drug effect is almost the same, so this classification does not play a big role in prescribing medications to lower the cholesterol index.

How do statins affect the body?

Statins play a major role in the human body - they block the synthesis of cholesterol molecules by liver cells.

In addition to the inhibitory effect, they reduce the risk of thrombus formation in the main arteries of the blood flow system, by reducing the inflammatory process in the arteries and reducing the volume of atherosclerotic plaques.

In diabetes mellitus, the use of statins reduces the risk of developing heart disease.

The effect of statins on the body in diabetes mellitus reduces the rate of progression of atherosclerosis.

In what cases is it accepted?

Indications for prescribing medications from the statin group are pathologies that provoke a high concentration of total cholesterol molecules in the blood, as well as low molecular density lipoproteins.

First of all, such pathologies include hypercholesterolemia, which has different etiologies and can be congenital (hereditary) or acquired.

In accordance with the instructions for use of statins, they can be used in the treatment of these pathologies:

• To lower the index for heterozygous and homozygous hereditary genetic hypercholesterolemia;
• The primary pathology is hypercholesterolemia;
• Mixed pathology dyslipidemia;
• In order to prevent myocardial infarction, with the development of pathology, unstable angina, as well as restriction in the coronary arteries due to the atherosclerotic plaque formed in them;
• In the prevention of the development of cerebral infarction (stroke), due to atherosclerotic neoplasms in the cervical main arteries, which do not fully supply the brain with blood. Brain cells experience a deficiency of nutrition and oxygen, which leads to hypoxia of brain cells and the development of ischemia and stroke;
• For patients in the post-infarction period, to prevent the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, which significantly shortens the patient’s life during the relapse period;
• With severe pathology, atherosclerosis, which has any localization in the bloodstream system. Statins inhibit the increased synthesis of cholesterol molecules, which leads to normalization of the cholesterol index and stopping the adhesion of lipid molecules to the inner side of the arterial membrane.

Treatment rules

Medicinal drugs of the pharmacological group statins are drugs that have a strong effect on the human body by lowering the concentration of cholesterol in the plasma blood.

These properties must be clearly taken into account with the following risk factors for the negative effects of statin drug therapy:

• Age category: over 65 years old;
• To treat hypercholesterolemia, several pharmacological groups of drugs are used, or drugs of one group - statins;
• For chronic pathologies of the renal organ;
• For chronic diseases of liver cells;
• For chronic alcoholism.

If the patient has such factors as an adverse reaction of the body to taking statins, then drugs of this group are prescribed with great caution and under the supervision of the treating doctor and constant monitoring of all indicators of the body.

Despite the fact that the risk of developing side effects is quite high, statins are prescribed both when there is a risk of developing serious pathologies of the heart and blood flow system, and in the post-infarction and post-stroke period.

Statins are also used to treat pathologies that develop in the brain and can provoke ischemia of cerebral vessels and cells.

When prescribing, it is necessary to warn the patient about the importance of dietary nutrition during the period of drug therapy with statins.

It is also worth considering some food products that have the properties of a natural reductase inhibitor and can cause a side effect in the body due to an overdose of the concentration of statin elements in the blood.

If the cholesterol index in the blood is within normal limits, taking statins is strictly prohibited, because in addition to side effects, statins can provoke the development of pathologies that are associated with inhibition of the centers of the nervous system and brain cells - Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Often the worst side effect from taking statins incorrectly is death.

Side effects

Treatment with drugs of the statin group for high cholesterol index in cases of lipid metabolism disorders began recently and the results of lowering cholesterol prove the effectiveness of this drug group of drugs.

Treatment with statins requires long-term use for a therapeutic effect, therefore, when prescribing these medications, it is necessary to take into account the degree of negative impact of the tablets on the patient’s body.

Common side effects are:

• Epidermal disorders- rashes on the skin, severe itching of the skin, edema of peripheral organs and skin, photosensitivity pathology;
• Disturbance in the functionality of the digestive tract with severe symptoms- severe nausea, which often provokes vomiting;
• Symptoms of flatulence and defecation disorders(severe diarrhea or constipation);
• Soreness in the head, as well as severe dizziness, the sleep process is disrupted (insomnia appears at night, and drowsiness during the day);
• Memory problems occur, paresthesia develops;
• There is a threat of systemic pathology- thrombocytopenia;
• Development of hyperglycemia- diabetes mellitus;
• Decreased libido in men- impotence.

More severe complications when taking statins include pathologies of the supporting apparatus and muscle tissue of the human skeleton:

• Myalgia disease;
• Pathology arthralgia;
• Cramps in muscle tissue;
• Pathology rhabdomyolysis;
• Pathology myopathy.

If the development of such side effects does not stop the statin medication course, then the person may be susceptible to the dangerous pathology rhabdomyolysis, in which bone tissue cells are destroyed, which leads to disability.

Do not forget the effect of the medication on the liver and kidneys.

The side effects of taking statins on the kidneys have been studied quite recently, and research experiments have proven that patients with a healthy urinary system are susceptible to pathologies such as:

• The disease is tubulopathy;
• Renal organ failure.

The action of the drug is aimed at suppressing the action of liver cells, and with long-term use, statins can cause negative effects and provoke the following pathologies:

• Diseases in liver cells;
• Increase in transminase index;
• Development of jaundice;
• Liver cell hepatitis;
• Pathology cirrhosis of the liver organ.

Contraindications

To minimize possible side effects, the selection of medications from the statin group should be done with extreme caution.

When combined with other dosage forms, the risk of undesirable effects from treatment with lipid-lowering drugs may increase.

Statins should not be prescribed in the following situations:

• Women during pregnancy;
• Women who are breastfeeding their baby;
• For diseases of the kidney organ that are acute and chronic;
• For pathologies of liver cells, chronic;
• For diseases of the thyroid gland - hypothyroidism;
• In case of pathology of the endocrine system and its pancreas organ;
• With dysfunction of muscle tissue, which is of hereditary etiology;
• Children under 18 years of age (side effects on liver cells provoke the development of hepatitis in children);
• Patients with hypersensitivity to the active ingredient in the medicine, as well as to other ingredients in the tablet.

Interaction with other medications

In order not to provoke negative effects, statins are not prescribed simultaneously with the following medications:

• With nicotinic acid, can cause disturbances in liver cells, as well as in endocrine organs - the thyroid gland and adrenal glands;
• With the drug Cyclosporine- can greatly increase the concentration of AUC, which will lead to negative effects in the liver organ and in the bloodstream;
• Concomitant therapy of statins with fibrates leads to the emergence and progression of the pathology myopathy;
• With fusidic acid, because simultaneous use can cause side effects on muscle fiber cells and lead to the development of the pathology rhabdomyolysis;
• Antibacterial drug Erythromycin. When treated together, the concentration of statins exceeds the norm by 8 times. This leads to a negative effect of the two drugs in the bloodstream, and there is also a risk of pathologies of the heart organ. Therefore, it is necessary to complete the therapeutic course with an antibacterial drug, and only after that begin treatment with statins;
• With Niacin. There is a risk of a side effect in the development of myopathy pathology, therefore the use of Niacin and statins for treatment is contraindicated;
• Also when taking statins, you must stop taking antidepressants and drinking alcoholic drinks. Taking statins together with alcohol can cause severe side effects and lead the patient to a coma.

Table of modern satins with minimal side effects

How to take it correctly?

The dosage of medications and the duration of statin drug therapy depend on the generation of the drug.

The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 80.0 milligrams:

All statins of different generations have different stages of lipophilicity and penetration into cell membranes in the body. The side effect reaches its maximum when taking high maximum daily dosages over a long period of therapy, as well as when drinking alcohol.

To reduce the negative effect, you need to reduce the dose of the drug.

If the therapeutic effect of taking the tablets is not achieved, then it is necessary:

• Increase the daily dose;
• Strengthen your diet, and you can also use other medications;
• It is necessary to replace the drug with a stronger statin.

There is a maintenance dosage at the time of prophylaxis, as well as a therapeutic dose at the time of the medication course for lowering the cholesterol index.

List of the most used drugs

All medications have not only international names, but also the name of the drugs under which they are sold in the pharmacy chain:

Conclusion

Drugs of the statin group are the only drugs that show a good medicinal effect for lowering the cholesterol index in the blood.

Properly selected drugs cause minimal side effects in the body.

The mechanism of action of statins is well studied. Statins inhibit the activity of the enzyme hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), which converts acetyl coenzyme A into mevalonate, that is, they interrupt the first link in the chain of cholesterol synthesis:

Acetyl coenzyme A → mevalonate → 5 pyrophosphomevalonate → isopectyl pyrophosphate → 3,3 dimethyl pyrophosphate → geranyl pyrophosphate → farnesyl pyrophosphate → squalene → lanosterol → cholesterol

There is no generally accepted classification of statins; usually statins are listed in chronological order, according to their appearance. Statins can be classified according to their hydrophilicity, their metabolism by the cytochrome P450 system, and the strength of their lipid-lowering effect. Tables 1 and 2 show the main characteristics of statins.

Table 1.

Table 2.

Classification according to the strength of influence on the lipid spectrum of the blood

According to the severity of the lipid-lowering effect, statins can be arranged in order of weakening effect (Fig. 4).

Figure 4. Severity of the lipid-lowering effect of statins

The severity of the lipid-lowering effect of statins was studied by direct comparison in the MERCURY I study (as part of the GALAXY program). The effect of statins on LDL and HDL cholesterol levels was assessed. Another study that directly compared the effects of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin was the STELLAR study. It demonstrated that a 10 mg dose of rosuvastatin was 3-4% more effective in lowering LDL cholesterol than a 20 mg dose of atorvastatin. Therapy with rosuvastatin at a dose of 10-40 mg led to a decrease in LDL cholesterol by 46-55%, therapy with atorvastatin at a dose of 10-80 mg led to a decrease in LDL cholesterol by 37-51%.

A comparative analysis showed that rosuvastatin at a dose of 10-40 mg/day. allowed to achieve the target lipid level in 82-89% of cases, while atorvastatin at a dose of 10-80 mg/day - in 69-85% of cases (Fig. 5).

Figure 5. Effect of statin therapy on LDL and HDL cholesterol (STELLAR study results)


In addition to the lipid-lowering effect, statins have an effect on atherosclerotic plaque, inflammatory factors and endothelial function (pleiotropic effects).

Effect of statin therapy on atherosclerotic plaque size

The correlation of LDL cholesterol levels with angiographic findings has been shown in several studies (Fig. 6).

Figure 6. Correlation of LDL cholesterol levels with atherosclerotic arterial disease

The effect of intensive rosuvastatin therapy on atherosclerotic plaque size has been convincingly demonstrated in the recently completed ASTEROID study. This study examined the effect of rosuvastatin on the course of coronary atherosclerosis using intravascular ultrasound. The study included 507 patients with atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries (reduction of the lumen by no more than half the diameter for at least 40 mm). Treatment with rosuvastatin at a dose of 40 mg lasted 2 years.

Endpoints were changes in relative, absolute, and normalized plaque volume (RPV, AVP, and NPV). As a result, a decrease in AOB in the most affected segment of the coronary artery was shown by 6.8%, a decrease in AOB in the assessed segment of the coronary artery by 0.79%, a decrease in AOB in the most affected segment of the coronary artery by 9.1% (p

Figure 7. Reduction of atherosclerotic plaque during therapy with rosuvastatin 40 mg/day. for 2 years (ASTEROID study). Sonograms provided by Cleveland Clinic Core Laboratory (EEM - outer elastic membrane)

Effect of statins on inflammatory factors

In patients with atherosclerosis, certain cellular and humoral changes occur. The activity of cytokines, acute phase proteins, growth factors, and adhesion molecules increases. It has been established that the main factor initiating the synthesis of C-reactive protein (CRP) by hepatocytes is cytokines, primarily interleukin-6 (IL-6). Since CRP, interleukins and adhesion molecules are markers of inflammation, a decrease in their levels can be regarded as a positive effect. The mechanism of the decrease in CRP under the influence of statins is currently being actively studied. Statins help weaken the expression of the IL-1 family of interleukins (IL-1?, IL-1?), which have a pro-inflammatory effect, and reduce the level of soluble protein (sCD40L) associated with the tumor necrosis factor TNF-?. High levels of sCD40L are associated with increased rates of recurrent cardiovascular events. Statins are also known to have anti-inflammatory effects, such as their effect on leukocyte activation and reduction of CRP levels. It has been shown that the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor, which impairs endothelial function, can be inhibited in macrophages by statin therapy.

The fact that statin therapy leads to a decrease in CRP levels has been established based on the results of large-scale studies. The analysis included studies with all statin drugs, including rosuvastatin. The anti-inflammatory effect of statins was discovered after studying their lipid-lowering effect. The ANDROMEDA study compared the effect of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin in reducing LDL cholesterol and CRP concentrations in patients with diabetes mellitus. Although the decrease in CRP concentration when taking rosuvastatin at doses of 10 and 20 mg exceeded the effect of atorvastatin at the same doses by 6-13%, these differences were not significant. However, it can be said that rosuvastatin therapy has a pronounced effect on the level of CRP and other indicators of inflammation.

Results from the PROVE-IT TIMI 22 study show that, given the same lipid levels during statin therapy, patients with low CRP values ​​had better outcomes after myocardial infarction or less progression of atherosclerosis as measured by intravascular ultrasound.

The target level for CRP reduction in the REVERSAL study was 2.0 mg/L; this level of CRP is approaching the population level. Pravastatin (40 mg/day) and atorvastatin (80 mg/day) were compared. During pravastatin therapy, the absolute volume of atheroma increased by 2.7%; during atorvastatin therapy, cessation of atheroma growth was achieved (-0.4%, p = 0.98). Patients who simultaneously decreased plasma concentrations of both CRP and LDL-C had slower progression of coronary atherosclerosis as measured by intravascular ultrasound, as shown in this study.

The effect of statins on inflammatory factors continues to be studied in the ongoing JUPITER trial. JUPITER is a large, prospective, placebo-controlled study of rosuvastatin in patients without apparent hyperlipidemia (LDL-C 2.0 mg/L).

Effect of statins on endothelial function

Dysfunction of the endothelium also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IHD. Endothelial dysfunction may serve as a marker for early stage cardiovascular disease. Stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis or reduction of peroxide levels restores endothelial function. Drugs with similar properties include statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Although the main effect of statins is a positive effect on the lipid spectrum, it is reliably known that lowering LDL cholesterol levels improves endothelial function. Restoration of endothelial function during statin treatment leads to a reduction in cardiovascular risk. Clinical studies confirm that a similar effect appears after 16 weeks from the start of treatment, and it is not associated only with a decrease in LDL cholesterol levels. This so-called pleiotropic effect of statins is explained by the fact that statins inhibit the synthesis of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, which activates the Rho protein (effector proteins, which are kinases that control cellular functions). This protein, based on guanosine triphosphate, regulates a large number of specific cellular reactions, changing the permeability of the vessel wall, causing adhesion and migration of monocytes through the endothelium. Other mechanisms of action of statins are less clear; It is believed that statins may improve endothelial function directly and indirectly. For example, lovastatin and simvastatin have been shown to induce transcription of eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) genes in endothelial cells. Thus, the pleiotropic effects of statins are no less important than the lipid-lowering ones.

Other possible effects of statins

In addition to those mentioned above, other effects of statins are discussed, however, it should be noted that these effects have not been proven in large studies, so we recommend treating them with some skepticism.

1. Dilation of the coronary arteries.
2. Preventing spasm of the coronary arteries.
3. Stimulation of coronary angiogenesis.
4. Inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.
5. Inhibition of platelet aggregation, reduction in the number of platelets and red blood cells, due to which blood viscosity decreases.
6. Reducing thrombin levels and stimulating fibrinolysis, reducing the level of plasminogen activator inhibitor.
7. Increased NO synthesis by endothelium.
8. Inhibition of macrophage migration into the vascular wall.
9. Antioxidant action.
10. Immunosuppressive effect.
11. Reducing albuminuria in diabetes mellitus.
12. Reduction of left ventricular hypertrophy.
13. Antiarrhythmic effect.
14. Slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

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Statins have been used to lower blood cholesterol for more than 20 years, but today you can increasingly hear about the dangers of these drugs. What short-term and long-term negative effects do statins have?

Statins are the worst enemies of excess cholesterol, so it is difficult to imagine treating atherosclerosis without them. But, despite the fact that these drugs have already saved more than one thousand lives, treatment with their help deals a serious blow to the body. What are statins, what are the harms from taking them and do they have side effects?

Before considering the harm of drugs, you need to know them better. Statins are drugs that inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver; in addition, they accelerate the elimination of LDL (low-density lipoproteins), which are harmful to the body, from the body, and increase the content of HDL (high-density lipoproteins) in the blood.

But statins act not only on organs; they also suppress the absorption of cholesterol from the blood, which comes there from food.

Side effects

The interference of any drugs with the body does not go unnoticed; sometimes the body signals this at the very beginning of treatment. The patient may notice side effects from taking statins after 3-4 days:

• nausea;
• muscle aches;
• headache;
• lack of appetite;
• indigestion;
• pain in the liver area;
• rash;
• flatulence;
• insomnia.

These side effects appear due to the body’s excessive sensitivity to changes in cholesterol metabolism, which increases significantly with prolonged excess of the content of this substance in the blood, because the body gets used to this condition.

The risk of the above side effects increases significantly if the patient:

• takes antibiotics along with statins;
• uses drugs based on nicotinic acid;
• do not follow a cholesterol-free diet;
• drinks alcohol;
• suffers from colds.

Harm from drugs

If at the beginning of treatment the patient did not notice side effects, this does not mean that the medication was taken without leaving a trace on the body. With prolonged use (the average duration of treatment with these medications is 3-4 months), the harm “accumulates.”

In recent years, many doctors have pointed out that statins do more harm than good. These studies by American specialists even claim that more than half of the people who were prescribed these drugs could do without them. What are the grounds for negative statements about statins? Do they cause real harm?

Harm to muscles

The muscles suffer the most damage from taking statins. Often, due to long-term treatment, rhabdomyolysis develops - the process of destruction of striated muscles. This is accompanied by:

• muscle pain;
• weight loss;
• low blood pressure;
• dizziness;
• discomfort in the heart area.

Despite the fact that statins are used to keep the heart healthy and not subject to the consequences of atherosclerosis, these drugs also harm it, because it consists of striated muscles, so its tissues can also be destroyed.

A striking example of the heart-damaging effects of statins is the death of cardiologist Atkins from organ failure due to muscle atrophy. The doctor took medications to lower blood cholesterol, but his body could not tolerate the accumulated side effects.

Why does rhabdomyolysis occur?

This disease develops while taking statins for a reason, because these drugs for high cholesterol disrupt cellular processes in muscle tissue. This happens due to their effect on the synthesis of CoQ10 in myocytes. This substance is responsible for the production of energy in the mitochondria of muscle cells, which is needed for their contraction, “repair”, division and other important processes.

When, due to a lack of CoQ10, energy in the mitochondria of myocytes ceases to be produced, they slowly begin to break down and become dangerous to the body, so their degradation and elimination accelerates.

Harm to the kidneys

Protein molecules are filtered in the small and narrow vessels of the kidneys so that they are not excreted from the body in urine. When a person takes statins for a long time, he develops kidney failure and stones appear in the paired filter organs.

This happens due to the fact that during muscle rhabdomyolysis, which was mentioned earlier, a huge amount of protein molecules are released, which clog the narrow lumens of the vessels in the kidneys.

In addition to the fact that the kidneys are “clogged” with proteins, breakdown products of these substances, for example, ammonia, accumulate in them, which are dangerous to the body and harm all organ systems.

Harm to the liver

Long-term side effects from taking statins also affect liver health. By inhibiting the synthesis of enzymes responsible for cholesterol synthesis, these drugs disrupt the functioning of the organ. Increased activity in the production of other active substances, such as transamylases, is often observed.

In addition to the direct effect on the liver, there is also an indirect effect. The course of treatment with statins lasts at least 3 months, during which time the liver must daily neutralize the auxiliary components of the drug, the load on it increases significantly.

Development of diabetes mellitus

If you take statins for a long period, the risk of developing type 1 diabetes increases significantly. Due to the use of drugs that lower cholesterol in the blood, the load on the pancreas increases; it cannot work as usual, producing vital insulin. At the same time, the liver develops immunity to this hormone, which lowers blood sugar.

When insulin resistance occurs, blood glucose levels are not regulated and begin to rise, especially if the person has a sweet tooth or abuses alcohol. Over time, resistance to this hormone will only increase and without the necessary treatment, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus will develop.

Insulin resistance (immunity) increases the duration of inflammatory reactions, so diabetes mellitus is often accompanied by gout, nephropathy, and infectious diseases.

Premature cell aging

Their membranes are responsible for the elasticity and protection of cells. Every day they are “tested for strength” not only by external factors (temperature, pressure, physical impact), but also internal ones, for example, membrane phospholipids can be destroyed under the influence of cellular enzymes. But this does not happen thanks to Q10, which blocks their activity.

Cholesterol molecules are not involved in the synthesis of Q10, so how then do statins reduce the amount of this substance? The thing is that LDL, and mainly triglycerides, move through the blood from the sites of Q10 synthesis. When the amount of cholesterol is significantly reduced, the protector of cell membranes simply does not reach the cells. Cells of the immune and lymphatic systems and platelets experience a particularly acute shortage of Q10. While cells lack this substance, its molecules circulate freely in the blood, but cannot be delivered to their destination.

The consequences of a lack of Q10 are dangerous for the life of cells - their membranes begin to collapse under the influence of cellular enzymes, lose elasticity and the ability to quickly regenerate. This is reflected in human health by excessive dryness, dullness and grayish skin color, the appearance of fine wrinkles, deterioration of blood clotting, and decreased immunity. These side effects of statins may appear after 5-6 months of treatment.

Pregnenolone stealing syndrome

This is not a chronic or genetic disease, but a shorthand name for another long-term side effect of taking statins. The harm from lowering cholesterol lies not only in the lack of Q10, but also in the disruption of endocrine cells.

Cholesterol is used in large quantities by the adrenal glands, endocrine organs that synthesize steroid hormones. When statins sharply block the synthesis of this LDL in the liver, the cells of these organs experience shock, because they suddenly lose the substrate for the synthesis of active substances.

Their answer is dangerous for the body: in the adrenal glands, all the remaining intermediate “raw materials” for the production of various hormones - pregnenolone - are used to create cortisol, a steroid stress hormone.

Effects of cortisol shock

This “change of priorities” harms several body systems at once. First of all, it is cardiovascular, because cortisol has a vasoconstrictor effect and accelerates the heartbeat.

The nervous system suffers no less, the neurons of which are constantly in an excited stress state. At the same time, the person becomes irritable, has attacks of aggression and panic, insomnia appears, and performance decreases.

When considering the harmful effects of cortisol shock caused by taking statins, we must not forget about the endocrine system. The synthesis of the above-mentioned hormone stops the production of the most important active substances: sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and others), glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, aldosterone and others.

Increased bone fragility

Taking steroids, a person independently harms his own bones. Due to a significant decrease in blood cholesterol levels, the production of vitamin D in the skin, which is produced precisely from LDL under exposure to the sun, is reduced. This substance promotes the absorption of the lion's share of calcium entering the body. With long-term use of statins, especially in winter, there is an increase in bone fragility, muscle aches (without calcium their work is impossible) and other unpleasant symptoms.

This is not the entire list of long-term negative effects from taking statins. Some experts associate treatment with their help with the development of cataracts, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, memory impairment, decreased functioning of the thyroid gland, chronic fatigue and others. Such data have not yet been confirmed, but they raise serious questions about whether statins can be used at all.

Unfortunately, statins remain the most effective cholesterol-lowering drugs today. Of course, there are others, but they are more expensive and they are still little known in the CIS countries, so doctors safely prescribe already proven and inexpensive Simgal, Leskol, Zocor, Vytorin and other drugs.

Treatment with statins is an effective way to lower blood cholesterol, but often their harm far outweighs the benefit. You cannot take statins on your own, and if your doctor prescribed them, you need to ask him about a possible drug alternative or a cholesterol-free diet.

The main side effects of statins are muscle pain, fatigue, liver damage, digestive disorders, increased blood sugar, and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Less known but common problems among people taking statins are memory and thinking problems similar to dementia. The side effects of cholesterol pills are a concern for people who take them. It is suspected that pharmaceutical companies are trying to downplay the incidence of problems with their drugs.

Side effects of statins: detailed article

There is an increased risk of statin side effects in people who:

• taking multiple cholesterol medications at the same time (don't do this!);
• over 65 years old;
• suffer from kidney or liver diseases;
• drink a lot of alcohol.

Drinking a lot of alcohol means more than two drinks a day for men under 65. For men over 65 years of age, as well as for all women, no more than one serving of alcohol per day is allowed. One serving of alcohol is 10-15 grams of pure alcohol. One can of beer 0.33 l, one glass of wine or a shot of strong 40-proof alcoholic drink. If you drink more alcohol than indicated above, you should not be treated with statins to avoid liver problems. Discuss this with your doctor.

Latest generation statins: rosuvastatin

If you are at high risk of heart attack and stroke, you should take statins, despite the possible side effects. High-risk patients are patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, as well as people who have undergone stenting or coronary bypass surgery. They should only stop taking statins if the side effects become intolerable. Because no other medications or dietary supplements can also significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disaster and prolong life.

When selecting and adjusting the dosage of statins, you need to focus less on “bad” and “good” cholesterol, and more on. The main purpose of taking medications is not to reduce “bad” cholesterol, but to extinguish chronic, low-grade inflammation. Watch the video to find out whether you need to take these medications or not.

Read in detail about the inflammatory nature of cardiovascular diseases in the article ““. Monitor how blood test results for C-reactive protein change under the influence of statins. You may find that it is enough for you to take the minimum dosage of these medications. And the lower the dosage, the lower the risk of side effects.

Detailed information about medications:

How to counteract the side effects of statins

If you are concerned about muscle weakness, then you can add another 1-2 grams to coenzyme Q10. The daily dose of this remedy can be divided into 2 doses, always on an empty stomach.

The muscle pain caused by statins cannot be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Avoid taking ibuprofen, acetaminophen (paracetamol) and other NSAIDs. They will not help with the side effects of statins, and will create additional stress on the liver.

Effective supplements with coenzyme Q10 from the USA, optimal in price:

• - with hawthorn extract
• Japanese Coenzyme Q10, packaged Doctors’ Best - best price/quality ratio
• - Japanese product, best quality

How to order Q10 and other supplements from the USA on iHerb - or . Instructions in Russian.

It can be difficult to determine what the unpleasant symptoms you are experiencing are. Are these side effects of statins or natural aging disorders? To figure it out, you will have to, in agreement with your doctor, take a break for 10-14 days from taking the medicine. Assess how different you feel when you take statins versus when you don't. In fact, problems with muscles and joints in most cases are caused by a sedentary lifestyle, and medications have nothing to do with it. Unfortunately, instead of starting to move, patients prefer to complain about the side effects of the pills that the villainous doctor prescribed to them.

Try switching from one statin to another, strictly on the advice of your doctor. It is possible that atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are less likely to cause side effects than simvastatin. These drugs are less likely to have negative interactions with other medications. Do not change the medicine you are taking without permission! Consult your doctor. Some patients, after switching to atorvastatin or rosuvastatin, become worse, not better, than they were while taking simvastatin.

Atorvastatin preparations: instructions for use

Carefully study the information about the interaction of the statin you have been prescribed with other medications. There may be problems with pills for blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, immunosuppressants and many other drugs. Tell your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbs you take before you are prescribed a statin. Rosuvastatin may be less likely to cause drug interaction problems than previous generation statins. Discuss with your doctor.

In addition to statins, there are other pills that lower blood cholesterol. These are bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, and inhibitors of cholesterol absorption in the intestine (Ezetimibe). They do not reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from all causes, so don't take them even if your doctor insists. If you have high blood triglycerides, don't take fibrates and switch to . Triglycerides will return to normal within a few days. Do not take any other cholesterol medications in combination with statins.

Also watch the video “Statins for Cholesterol: Information for Patients.”

How to normalize cholesterol without statins

Statins are often prescribed to people who have high cholesterol but no other risk factors for heart disease. For such patients, the side effects of statins will be greater than the possible benefits. To normalize cholesterol without harmful drugs, go on a low-carbohydrate diet and follow the other steps indicated in the article ““.

Monitor yours more closely than your cholesterol. Because C-reactive protein and other markers of inflammation reliably predict the risk of heart attack and stroke, but cholesterol often lies. Half of cardiovascular accidents happen to people who have normal blood cholesterol. Statins not only normalize cholesterol, but also reduce chronic low-grade inflammation. Many experts believe that this is their main therapeutic effect.

The above explains why patients at high cardiovascular risk need to take statins. Describes in detail how to determine whether you are high or low risk. Statins are not considered a primary treatment, but rather a complement to a healthy diet and physical activity. Even if you started taking these pills, no one cancels the need to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions and their answers

Can statins cause anxiety, depression, foggy thinking?

Yes, all the symptoms you mentioned could be side effects of drugs that normalize cholesterol in the blood. The article above tells you how to figure out what happened to you - age-related disorders or side effects of medications.

I have been taking cholesterol pills for 7 years after my heart attack. Recently, I have been concerned about the deterioration of memory for recent events. What to do?

Study the section of this article “How to normalize cholesterol without statins” and do what it says. At the very least, you will be able to reduce the dosage of medications, or even completely abandon them. If you have had a heart attack, you are at high risk of having another heart attack. This means that stopping statins should only be done as a last resort.

I'm worried that I have heaviness in my legs, swelling, shortness of breath, and it's difficult to climb stairs. Are these side effects of statins?

Yes, all the symptoms you listed could be side effects of statins. The question makes you suspect that you are developing heart failure. Statins can make it worse because they deplete coenzyme Q10, a substance involved in energy production in the heart. Study and do what it says. Stop taking statins only with the advice of your doctor, who will assess the balance of benefits and harms of these pills for you.

Can statins cause leg cramps?

In principle, they can. But rather, the cause is a lack of magnesium in the body. To be on the safe side, get blood and urine tests that check whether your kidneys are working well. If everything turns out to be normal with your kidneys, then take it in large doses for leg cramps. You need these tablets in the dosages indicated on the website, and not in the low doses in which doctors usually prescribe them.

Can statins cause low testosterone levels in men?

They can because testosterone is produced from cholesterol. Didn't you know this? Well, you have to...

Study the section “How to normalize cholesterol without statins” and do what is written there. Try to reduce your statin dosage. Find a knowledgeable urologist and discuss with him how to increase your testosterone levels. This may be an effective measure, but only as prescribed by a doctor, without fanaticism, no self-medication. Try to increase your blood testosterone to the middle of the normal range. This can improve not only your personal life, but also your cholesterol levels and reduce your cardiovascular risk. Under no circumstances use “underground” products sold in sex shops.