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Statins are the drugs most prescribed when a person needs cholesterol lowering medication. Some of the statins available are, atorvastatin, lovastatin, rosasuvastatin, and simvastatin. You may know these statins by their brand names of Lipitor, Crestor, Zorcor and other names.

Are there dangers associated with statin drugs? As with almost any medication, there are side effects and possible dangerous side effects. However, they are life saving drugs for people with elevated levels of LDL that puts them at high risk for heart attacks.

Muscle weakness is a rare side effect called myopathy. The American Heart Association reported in the Journal of American Heart Association in May of 2005 that rosuvastatin (Crestor) was the statin more likely to be associated with muscle damage compared to the other statins. It usually occurs in the first weeks of treatment and is considered rare.

Rhabdomyolsis is a rare, side effect that may occur from use of statins. It is potentially life-threatening. This occurs when statins cause the breakdown of muscle cells. If any of the following symptoms occur, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical treatment right away.

Symptoms of rhabdomyolsis:

1. Severe muscle aches in which all muscles may hurt and be tender to the touch.
2. Muscle weakness
3. Dark or cola colored urine from muscle breakdown products

The risk of rhabdomyolsis is increased with higher doses of statins. Also, when statins are taken in combination with other drugs, the risk is increased. These drugs include, Gemfibrozil, Niacin (greater than 1.5 gram), Verapamil and Amiodarone.

When taken in high doses, statins can impair production of certain protein in muscle metabolism and function. If you notice muscle aching you should stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.

Why take statins?

High levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream present a danger of heart disease. LDL is deposited in the wall of the artery as plaque, leading to coronary atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

People with high cholesterol levels of LDL are sometimes given drug therapy to reduce levels of LDL, the "bad" cholesterol. Studies reveal a 20 to 60% drop in LDL levels for patients who take statins. Statins also reduce the levels of elevated tryglycerides and boost the HDL "good" cholesterol slightly. These results are usually seen in 4 to 6 weeks.

Frequently asked questions:

Can use of statins cause memory loss? Memory loss has not be substantiated by scientific study. In fact, some studies indicate that statins reduce the risk of dementia.

Will use of statins have a adverse effect on the libido? There is no evidence that statins reduce the sex drive.

Is there a link between use of statins and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)? No link has been found.

The majority of people tolerate statins very well. Some side effects are upset stomach, gas, constipation, cramps and abdominal pain. These side effects range from mild to moderate to severe. Statin use and dosage must always be taken under the guidance of, and monitoring by doctors.

The best opportunity for good heart health for those who need drug therapy for high cholesterol, comes through the proven use of statins coupled with therapeutic lifestyle changes.

Sources:
http://America n heart.org
http://nhlbi.nih.gov
h ttp://mayoclinic.com

Learn more about this author, Mona Gallagher.
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