Definition of Statins
Statins: A class of drugs that lower cholesterol.
The statin drugs on the market in the
US include:
The statins lower LDL-cholesterol
levels, and they lower LDL-cholesterol more than other types of
drugs. Statins inhibit an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase that controls
the rate of cholesterol production in the body. These drugs lower
cholesterol by slowing down the production of cholesterol and by
increasing the liver's ability to remove the LDL-cholesterol already
in the blood.
The large reductions in total and LDL-cholesterol produced by
these drugs in research studies resulted in large reductions in heart
attacks and heart disease deaths. Thanks to their track record in
these studies and their ability to lower LDL-cholesterol, statins
have become the drugs most often prescribed when a person with heart
disease needs a cholesterol- lowering medicine.
Studies using statins have reported 20 to 60% lower LDL-cholesterol
levels in patients on these drugs. Statins also produce a modest
increase in HDL- cholesterol and reduce elevated triglyceride levels.
The statins are usually given in a single dose at the evening meal or
at bedtime. It is important that these medications be given in the
evening to take advantage of the fact that the body makes more
cholesterol at night than during the day.
Results from the statins start to be seen after several weeks, with a
maximum effect in 4 to 6 weeks. The statins are generally well
tolerated by most patients, and serious side effects are rare. A few
patients will experience an upset stomach, gas, constipation, and
abdominal pain or cramps. These symptoms usually are mild to moderate
in severity and generally go away as your body adjusts. Rarely a
patient will develop abnormalities in blood tests of the liver. Also
rare is the side effect of muscle problems. The symptoms are muscle
soreness, pain, and weakness.
Statins may also strengthen bone tissue. Thus, people over 50 taking statins (to lower cholesterol) had fewer hip fractures, as was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2000.
Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2005
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