In most cases, you’ll need to take a statin every day for life. This is because your body will always make cholesterol. If you stop taking a statin, your cholesterol levels will rise again. It is recommended that you have these tests again a year later to keep any eye on your cholesterol and liver.

A Statin-Free Life: A Revolutionary Life Plan for Tackling A Statin-Free Life: A Revolutionary Life Plan for Tackling

A recent BHF-funded research study found that whilestatins are linked with a small increase in the risk of muscle pains or weakness, they don't cause the majority of muscle pain symptoms commonly connected with them. Lower your cholesterol with our 5 top questions answered by BHF experts. Our scientists are fighting for every heartbeat If you’re at high risk of heart and circulatory disease, you should have a chat with your GP before buying a statin. You may need to have a statin prescribed for you and the effects watched. How else can I lower my cholesterol? You will probably be prescribed a statin if you are at high risk of developing heart disease or a disease of the blood vessels. For example, if you have:Heart disease is still the number one killer in the world, yet most people don’t actually understand what markers put them most at risk. It’s so much more than just LDL cholesterol. Statins have become the panacea for anyone with LDL that’s just a little off, yet most people (and even many doctors) aren’t fully informed of the risks versus the benefits of this drug, let alone aware of other treatment options for heart disease. Today, I talk to Dr. Aseem Malhotra about the real data on statins, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and so much more. The main differences are in how much they lower cholesterol. They can be split into two groups – low-intensity statins (for example, pravastatin and simvastatin) and high-intensity statins (such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin). For most people, a lower-intensity statin will be enough to reduce their cholesterol sufficiently, but if it’s not, your doctor may want to increase the dose or switch to a higher-intensity one. What side effects are there? Statins are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the world. Yet many report unacceptable side effects and a US survey revealed that 75 per cent of respondents stopped taking them within a year. Statins often work very well. They can reduce your LDL cholesterol by around 30%, sometimes even 50% with high doses. Eat a healthy diet and avoid foods high in saturated fats. Plant sterols and stanols– which are added to certain drinks and foods – can help to reduce your cholesterol by up to 10 per cent.

A Statin-Free Life by Dr Aseem Malhotra | Waterstones A Statin-Free Life by Dr Aseem Malhotra | Waterstones

Should I take a statin?’ is a common question in my surgery, particularly when newspaper stories advocate benefits or report dire side effects. It feels like a war, with bitter accusations of misinformation and ‘fake news’ flying on both sides. Depending on your cholesterol levels and how healthy you are otherwise, you and your doctor or nurse might want you to try to bring your cholesterol levels down with a healthy diet and lifestyle first, before starting statins. If you are at risk of developing heart disease They work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase. This reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver and so reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. They're all fighting to help heart patients: finding new, better treatments for people with heart and circulatory disease, and developing new ways to better prevent or diagnose it.Drinking more than the recommended weekly amount of alcohol (14 units) increases your risk of feeling more side effects. Can I take a statin if I'm pregnant? Like all medications, statins have potential side effects. The most common are muscular aches and pains, but many people experience no side effects. They come as a tablet which you will need to take once a day. They should start to work within two to three months.

A Statin-Free Life by Dr Aseem Malhotra | Waterstones

We are often asked if statins are safe and if there are any side effects. It's up to you whether you start taking them or not, so we've put together some answers to common questions to help you decide.There are other ways to reduce cholesterol, including: losing weight; being physically active; and following a healthy diet, inspired by the traditional Mediterranean diet. Weigh up the pros and cons of taking a statin and remember, a healthy diet, physical activity and not smoking are also important for your heart health. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy, you shouldn't take statins. If you’re already taking statins and recently found out you’re pregnant or would like to become pregnant, speak to your GP. What are the side effects of statins? If you are concerned speak to your doctor. They will be able to explain how the benefits of taking statins are likely to outweigh this small increased risk. In the world’s ‘blue zones’ – areas of notable longevity and almost no heart disease – "They weren’t pounding in the gym, running marathons. They were just moving all the time, not being sedentary." Nor he adds, were they taking statins.

NHS Common questions about atorvastatin - NHS

If you already have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may advise monitoring your blood sugar levels more closely for the first few months. Tell your doctor or diabetes nurse if you find it harder to control your blood sugar. Sometimes, if you think a tablet might cause a nightmare, it can increase the risk of having one. For some types of statin, it’s better to take them at night, because that’s when they have a bigger effect on reducing cholesterol. However, the most important thing is that you take them regularly, rather than not at all. Are there any food or drinks I should avoid? Statins are medications used to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood and protect the insides of the artery walls. They’re one of the most prescribed drugs in the UK, with an estimated 7-8 million adults taking them. Firstly, consider the benefits for you. For people diagnosed with coronary heart disease or stroke there is proven benefit, so your GP or cardiologist will recommend you take a statin. If you do experience side effects, or if your side effects change or become worse, tell your GP. Can I buy statins over the counter?Having too much cholesterol can clog your arteries, causing problems like heart disease. There are two main types of cholesterol: Statins are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the world. Yet many report serious side effects and a US survey revealed that 75 per cent of respondents stopped taking them within a year. As well as lowering your LDL-cholesterol, statins can lower your triglycerides too, and high triglycerides are linked to liver disease, heart disease and diabetes. Statins can raise HDL cholesterol