Statins are a family of cholesterol reducing drugs that go under a number of different generic and brand names, including:
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Prevastatin (Prevachol)
These cholesterol reducing drugs are the most widely prescribed medicines worldwide, with over 200 million prescriptions a year in the United States alone. Let’s take a look at the benefits of statins, how they work and benefit millions, as well as potential disadvantages.*
What Are Statins?
Statins are a group of medicines prescribed by doctors to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They work indirectly by blocking a substance needed by the liver to make cholesterol, causing the liver to remove cholesterol from the blood. They were originally discovered in the 1980s and have since become one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is produced in the liver and is necessary for the body to function properly. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries. That can interfere with the arteries and increases risks of heart attack and stroke.
Statin medicines specifically work by inhibiting a liver enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for producing cholesterol in the liver. By reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver, statins can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Lowering cholesterol levels has been proven to increase longevity and reducing the occurrence of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Typically, statins are prescribed by licensed physicians for helping people who have high levels of LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is referred to as “bad” cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol are a major risk factor for heart disease, and statins can help reduce this risk. You can read more in our article on the benefits of good fats vs. bad fats.
Different Types of Statins
The most prescribed of the statins are Atorvastatin (Brand Name: Lipitor) and Rosuvastatin (Brand Name: Crestor). Although each is intended as a bad cholesterol-reducing medicine, each of the different types may have a different functions and set of drug interactions or side effects.
That is why it is important that your physician be up-to-date in selecting the particular statin that works for you.
Here are the leading statins, their generic name, brand name and brand name maker:
| Generic Name | Brand Name | Brand Name Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Atorvastatin | Lipitor | Pfizer |
| Rosuvastatin | Crestor | AstraZeneca |
| Simvastatin | Zocor | Merck |
| Pravastatin | Pravachol | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Lovastatin | Mevacor | Merck |
| Fluvastatin | Lescol | Novartis |
| Pitavastatin | Livalo | Kowa Pharmaceuticals |
Benefits of Statins
Here are some of the general benefits of statin medications. Each type may work somewhat differently or may have different interactions or side-effects.
Lowering Cholesterol Levels
The primary benefit of statins is that they can effectively lower cholesterol levels in the blood. This can help to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events. It does not guarantee against them, but it has been proven to reduce the chances of developing those conditions.
Reducing the Risk of Cardiovascular Events
Scientific studies and years of use have proven that statins, when used as prescribed, reduce a person’s risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
By lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, statins can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and angina.
Increasing HDL Cholesterol
Statins not only lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, but they can also increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. HDL cholesterol helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries, which can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
While the main effect of statins is to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, research has shown that they can also increase the level of HDL cholesterol, which can provide additional cardiovascular benefits. Some studies have suggested that certain statins, such as rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, and simvastatin, may be particularly effective in increasing HDL cholesterol levels.
Reducing Inflammation
In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, statins can also help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Recent studies have indicated that statins can have anti-inflammatory effects in addition to their cholesterol-lowering effects. Statins can inhibit the release of chemokines and Th1-type chemokine receptors, which are involved in the inflammatory response. Additionally, statins have been shown to reduce the levels of inflammatory markers in the body, such as C-reactive protein (CRP).
Because or this, statins are being considered as a potential treatment for inflammation-related conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Particular Statins Benefits:
Benefits of Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is one of the most commonly prescribed statins. It has been shown to be effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, increasing HDL cholesterol levels, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. In addition, Atorvastatin has been shown to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, which may be beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
Benefits of Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is a potent statin that is effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. It has been shown to be particularly effective in individuals who have a high risk of cardiovascular disease, such as those with a family history of heart disease or who have diabetes.
Benefits of Simvastatin (Zocor)
Simvastatin (Zocor) is another commonly prescribed statin that is effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. It has been shown to be particularly effective in individuals who have high triglyceride levels, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Benefits of Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Pravastatin (Pravachol) is a statin that is effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. It is often prescribed for individuals who have a low to moderate risk of cardiovascular disease, as it has been shown to have fewer side effects compared to other statins.
Potential Side-Effects and Precautions
These are some of the potential side-effects and precautions involved with statins. You should discuss the particular side-effects and precautions for the particular statin with your physician.
Side-Effects Potential
Common side effects of statins include muscle pain, digestive problems, and increased blood sugar levels. More rare but serious side effects can include liver damage, kidney failure, and memory loss or confusion. It’s important to discuss any new symptoms or concerns with you licensed physician you presently are taking or are considering statin therapy.
It is noted, however, that these types of side effects also are typical of aging populations, which is the population most typically taking statins. More studies need to be performed to determine whether there is a connection.
Precautions
Precautions for statins may include avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and discussing the use of other medications with a healthcare professional, as certain medications may interact with statins. In addition, individuals with liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or other conditions may require special monitoring while taking statins. It’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of statin therapy with your licensed physician before starting treatment.
In conclusion, statins are an effective class of drugs that can help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks and strokes.
* DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician regarding questions you might have about a medical condition or medication.