Statin drugs are used to lower a person’s cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is important, but as with many other drugs, statins may have side effects. The cardiology specialists in a cardiology clinic can do a complete blood workup and other tests to determine if a statin drug is right for you.
Statins to Prevent Stroke or Heart Attack
Statin drugs are commonly used in cardiology treatment to lower cholesterol. Cholesterol is a necessary component in all cell membranes. Cholesterol is made up of high density (HDL) and low density (LDL) lipoproteins. LDL is the bad cholesterol that contributes to atherosclerosis, the thickening of arteries by fatty buildup. The narrowing of the arteries increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Your doctor in a cardiology center might prescribe a statin drug to lower LDL levels and thus lower your risk of heart disease or stroke. However, some people have side effects that can range from problematic to life threatening. Statins can cause mild to severe muscle aches in the upper arms, thighs, calves, and lower back. These side effects should be mentioned to your doctor immediately, as in rare cases they could become life threatening. Your doctor can either change your statin to a lower dose, try a different statin drug, or try other types of drugs to help lower your cholesterol.
Statins and Diabetes
If you had gestational diabetes or are at high risk for getting type 2 diabetes, your doctor will need to monitor your blood glucose. Specialists in cardiology in Suffolk County, NY look at your bloodwork and other tests, as well as your family history, to determine if you should take a statin drug. A research study showed statin drug use was associated with reduction in insulin sensitivity, and also reduction in insulin secretion.
Statin Drugs and Your Liver
Statins work in the liver blocking a cholesterol-making enzyme. Statins lower inflammation and stabilize plaque and clotting agents that have built up inside the arteries. There is a general consensus among cardiologists that statins should be given to people who’ve already had a heart attack or stroke to help prevent a second one.
Statin drugs can cause liver damage, especially if taken with certain other drugs that also affect the liver. Your doctor should monitor your liver enzymes regularly if you’re taking a statin drug.
Other Side Effects of Statin Drugs
Although statin drugs have been shown to be of benefit to people at risk for heart attack or stroke, some rare side effects reported are severe to life threatening. Muscle damage, liver injury, memory loss or confusion, and neuropathy are a few of the more significant side effects. Most experts agree that there is enough proof that they’re safe and effective, but to discuss what’s best for your health, call for a consultation about statins with a specialist at Peconic Bay Medical Center today.
Description tag: Call for a consultation with a specialist at Peconic Bay Medical Center to determine if your health may benefit from taking a statin drug to lower cholesterol.
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Tags: Statin benefits, Cardiology center, Cardiology specialist