There are 9 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #5 by Helium's members.
Statin drugs are a type of hypolipidemic agents that are used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. They do this by lowering the levels of cholesterol in the blood. This decreases the build up in arteries that causes heart disease. There are dangers to statin drugs, however, both to do with the side effects of the drug on its own and to do with the effects when the drug interacts other drugs.
The mode of action of statin drugs is to lower the levels of cholesterol in the blood by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase in the liver. The key to understanding the importance of this concerns the type of lipoprotein called a Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) which is found in what is often referred to as bad cholesterol. Its presence in high levels is implicated in the build ups in arteries that cause heart disease.
By inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase in the liver Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) receptors are stimulated. With more receptors stimulated the clearance of LDL from the bloodstream is increased. As a result of this blood cholesterol levels are also reduced, thus helping to protect against heart disease.
However, there are side effects of statins. These can range from myalgias and muscle cramps to myositis and myopathy. In rare cases this can lead to a skeletal muscle breakdown known as rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to renal failure. The chances of this condition developing are increased by the use of fibrates, whilst also on statins. Fears that statins can cause cancer have so far proved unfounded.
Learn more about this author, Darian Peters.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:
Every action has a reaction, and the chemical effects of medications are no different. Statins, a classification of cholesterol-lowerin g
Statin is a drug used mainly to lower high cholesterol level. Recent research proved that statins dangers may be more than
Those suffering from high cholesterol will commonly be prescribed a statin, which is a cholesterol lowering drug. Statins
Statins are the drugs most prescribed when a person needs cholesterol lowering medication. Some of the statins available
Statin drugs are a type of hypolipidemic agents that are used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. They do this by
View All Articles on:
The dangers of statin drugs
Add your voice
Know something about The dangers of statin drugs?
We want to hear your view.
Write now!
Featured Partner
1H2O endeavors to create an international network of journalists and media makers with the purpose of generating the ...more
hide