There is a close relationship between obesity and the risk heart ailments owing to the raised levels of cholesterol. Statins drugs belong to a class of medication which lower the levels of this substance in the blood by bringing down its production by the liver.
For doing so, these drugs inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. Generally, these drugs are prescribed for patients already suffering from heart ailments. But of late, they are given to patients who have obesity related complications like high blood pressure and diabetes too.
The presently available medicines (as of 2010) of this drug type in the market are:
- Fluvastatin (Lescol)
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor and Torvast)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol, Selektine, Lipostat)
- Lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor, Altoprev)
- Pitavastatin (Livalo, Pitava)
- Simvastatin (Zocor, Lipex)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Top 10 Facts to Remember About Statins Drugs:
- These drugs are effective in reducing the bad cholesterol or LDL by 70mg/dL.
- The results is 60 percent reduction in the heart ailments and 17 percent decrease in stroke.
- According to the Clinical practice guidelines, these drugs should be recommended only after the patients fails to bring any improvement in their cholesterol levels by changing their diet and life style.
- The ability of these drugs in reducing cholesterol levels depend upon the condition of the patients, initial response of the drug and the goal of the treament.
- Cholesterol levels should be checked within 1—3 months on the initiation or chages in the dosage of these drugs to further adjust the dosage.
- This practice should be followed after 6—12 months in the best interest of the cardiovescular patients.
- Further research is exploring the possibility of extending the usage of this drug in treating dementia, hypertension, lung cancer and nuclear cataracts.
- Oyster mushrooms and red yeast rice are naturally occuring statins with varying efficacy.
- Muscle cramps, increased levels of liver enzymes and gastrointestinal problems are reported by some patients taking these drugs.
- People taking statins drugs should not consume grape juice as it can prove to be toxic.
