4 of 9

Write now Article Tools

TO TAKE, OR NOT TO TAKE...?: STATINS IN THE 21ST CENTURY

The British Press reported recently, without subsequent follow up, the opinion of the National Health Service's (NHS) Chief Cardiologist that "all men aged 50 or more should automatically take statins". Also reported was the opinion of the head of the British Heart Foundation, leading research charity into heart disease in the UK, that "there is no evidence that this is necessary". This "For & Against" situation is all too common where statins are concerned. The "ordinary man-in-the-street" can hardly be expected to make an informed decision to take, or not, these drugs when medical opinion is itself divided.

This article tries to clarify the position for the layman from the layman's position.

Some background first. Before retirement I spent most of my career as a biomedical scientist working mainly in hospital laboratories. When I started in the early 60s one was required to have a knowledge of all the disciplines which included microbiology, biochemistry, haematology, blood transfusion science and others. Exponential increases in scientific advances and subdivision of disciplines make this impossible today. Therefore I have the advantage of greater knowledge than average but remain open-minded. Statins have attracted a wide coverage in recent years and I had taken a keen interest because of the strong pro- and anti-camps that appeared.

What do statins do? In short they lower the amount of 2 types of fat in the blood, cholesterol and triglycerides. Most of the cholesterol is made in the liver the rest comes from diet with egg yolks and liver having high concentrations. Cholesterol is a major constituent of plaque which develops in blood vessels and can lead to blockage of the vessel; if occurring in the heart's vessels a heart attack may result. However the body needs cholesterol as it is a major player in normal cell function so a balance must be struck. Plaque does not form in blood vessels because someone has too much cholesterol. Plaque forms because there is an imperfection in the blood vessel wall, normally completely smooth, which allows molecules to stick; those of a type of cholesterol called low density lipoprotein (LDL) being particularly attracted. LDL normally accounts for 75-80% of total cholesterol and it is this the statins target. The cause of defects in vessel walls can be genetic, either inherited or as a result of genetic change, or 'environmental' such as long term inhalation of polluted

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about What are statin drugs??
We want to hear your view. Write now!