Microblog: Truth About Statins & Dietary Cholesterol
Watch the clip here.
Statins block an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase that then reduces cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol production in the body.
Supposedly, lowering total and LDL-cholesterol is considered important to reduce a person’s risk of developing heart disease or stroke. (NOTE: make sure to read my next post regarding this…TEASER: this isn’t necessarily true.)
SIDE EFFECTS OF STATINS
⚠️Serious muscle effects have been reported with statins, including rhabdomyolysis (destruction of muscle cells). People 65+ taking certain meds, who drink more than 2 alcohol drinks daily, OR has kidney disease, may have more serious side effects.
⚠️Per drugs.com, mild muscle pain is a common side effect of statins. (oh, okay…)
⚠️Statins can affect the liver or cause jaundice. This may require discontinuation.
⚠️Statins can affect diabetes markers (HbA1c or fasting glucose), and may not be suitable in those with liver or kidney disease.
⚠️Statins may not be suitable for people with a recent history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
⚠️People with active liver disease or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take statins.
⚠️Statins have been associated with memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, and confusion. These symptoms usually resolve with discontinuation. (mayoclinic.org)
THOUGHTS
🚨The 2020 British Medical Journal, found that 75% of the 35 trials reported no reduction in mortality among the participants that took the cholesterol-lowering drugs.
🚨50% of people that have heart attack events have normal cholesterol levels.
🚨Lipitor (a statin) showed that only 1 of 100 people with high cholesterol benefited from taking statins. So 1% of people with high cholesterol benefit with statins.
🚨Statins are a billion dollar ANNUAL business. Lipitor went on sale in 1997. It’s the best-selling drug of ALL TIME.
💣If you get more adverse effects by taking medication, maybe the medication isn’t the right answer.
