Spotlight On: Statins

My doctor says I have high cholesterol and has suggested I start taking statins, but I have some concerns.

This month, Donna White, a UVA Pharmacist and member of the Club Red Clinic team talks to us about statins and how they work to improve your cholesterol levels. 

What are statins and how do they lower my cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol comes from unhealthy fats in our diet and from cholesterol made by our bodies.

Statins work by speeding the clearance of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) from your body and lowering your risk for cardiovascular disease. To a lesser degree, statins also increase your HDL cholesterol (or “good” cholesterol), which also works to remove the LDL cholesterol. In women, the target LDL cholesterol level is less than 100. 

I am nervous about taking medication daily for the rest of my life. Are statins safe?

As a group of drugs, statins are the most effective and widely used drugs for reducing LDL cholesterol levels and have been extensively studied. Statins are very safe, though there are some potential side effects. 

Most people worry about muscle aches or increases in their liver function test. Your healthcare provider will measure your liver function through a simple blood test. Muscle aches, known as myalgia, also may occur with statins. Myalgia is dose dependent, meaning that the likelihood of muscle pain increases with higher doses. However, myalgia is relatively uncommon in patients taking statins. If you do develop myalgia, your healthcare provider can determine if the muscle pain is caused by taking statins through a simple blood test. If your muscle pain is caused by using statins, this can often be alleviated by a lower dose or switching to another statin. Remember that all medications, even aspirin or a multivitamin, can potentially cause side effects.

The risk from a possible side effect of a statin is far lower than the potential risk of uncontrolled high cholesterol leading to heart disease, stroke or heart attack. Many studies have found statins reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, preventing heart disease and death even in patients who already have heart disease or have previously had a stroke or heart attack.

Do statins interact with any other types of medication?

Because almost all statins are metabolized, or broken down, in the liver, there is the potential for negative interaction with other drugs you’re taking. Before you begin taking statins, make sure your healthcare provider or pharmacist knows all the medications you take, including over-the-counter medications or herbal medications. Doses of other medications may need to be adjusted.

I've heard about different types of statins on the news. Are some better than others?

There are some differences among statins, such as how much they can reduce your LDL cholesterol levels. Most patients can use any statin to lower their LDL cholesterol to a safer level. If a certain statin causes side effects or you are unable to reach your goal LDL cholesterol level, talk with your healthcare provider about switching to a different statin.

Do I still need to monitor my diet if I am taking statins?

Absolutely! Cholesterol levels are also affected by diet and exercise. Failing to eat healthy and exercise will only negate some of the hard work your medication is doing for you. You should do everything you can to help your medications work as well as possible.