If i am on a Statin, Should I Worry About A High-Fat Diet?
What is Statin
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 help lower blood cholesterol specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL) the “bad cholesterol”. The need for a statin depends on your cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risk factors. The risk factors include tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, narrowed arteries in your neck, arms or legs (peripheral artery disease) and family history of heart disease, especially if it was before the age of 55 in male relatives or before 65 in female relatives and older age
The commonest examples of statins are atorvastatin and simvastatin. Knowing your cholesterol numbers is a good start to maintaining your heart health.
Why Is A Statin Used, How Does It Work?
Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA-Reductase, a liver enzyme that is responsible for producing cholesterol.
Statins are usually tablets prescribed once daily.
Ask your doctor if you should take your statin at a specific time as some can be taken at any time and some should be taken at night. They are usually taken for life because stopping them causes a rapid rise in cholesterol. If you miss a dose, don’t take one extra to make up for it. The next day, take your usual dose.
Statins are generally well tolerated but can cause side effects. In some cases, the body adapts to the medication. Statins are commonly reported to cause headaches, nausea, and muscle and joint aches. Some serious side effects include increased risk of diabetes, myositis, and rhabdomyolysis, as well as elevated levels of CPK, a muscle enzyme that causes muscle pain, mild inflammation, and weakness. Some statins react with grapefruit juice. Hence, it’s critical to read the medication’s information leaflet to see if there are any potential drug interactions. If unsure, always go for a doctor or pharmacist.
Is Statin Alone Enough Good To Control
Statin can be prescribed alone or other drugs such as antihypertensives and antidiabetic medications based on your overall medical profile to lower your risk of getting cardiovascular diseases such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction (heart attacks), peripheral arterial diseases and stroke. Yet, lifestyle changes can help a statin work better in any severity of your dyslipidemia. Among lifestyle modifications that can be made are a balanced, heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, limited alcohol intake and quitting smoking.
Importance Of Managing Dyslipidemia
Cholesterol is a type of blood fat. Your body uses it to make new cells, for example. Too much cholesterol builds up in blood vessels called arteries. This is atherosclerosis. Most heart and blood flow issues, including heart attacks and strokes, begin here.
Statins lower bad cholesterol by reducing its production. Statins also reduce inflammation around (called plaque). This may reduce the risk of a blood clot causing a heart attack or stroke.
Dyslipidemia higher your risk of getting metabolic syndrome. Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are all linked to metabolic syndrome. Criteria of metabolic syndrome include high blood pressure, diabetes, abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Statins aren’t for everyone, and there are other ways to reduce your risk. Nevertheless, for high-risk patients, statins are extremely beneficial in protecting their hearts and lives. Statins reduce the risk of death from a heart attack, heart disease, or stroke. Doctors identify high-risk patients in various ways including checking your blood pressure, glucose, and BMI, as well as the results of tests that look for plaque build-up, like a coronary calcium scan in order to make an educated decision. In another term, taking a statin is one of the important steps to maintaining our Heart Health. When choosing a treatment, keep in mind your medical needs, personal values, lifestyle choices, and concerns. Before starting statin therapy, discuss with your doctor. about your overall risk of heart and blood vessel disease