Cholesterol Lowering Drugs: Do They Really Cause Adverse Effects?
Cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, are often avoided by potential users due to the extensive list of side effects listed on their packaging. However, recent research offers a fresh perspective.
A thorough analysis has been conducted to assess the legitimacy of these potential side effects, which attempts to correct existing misconceptions about one of the most commonly used preventative measures against cardiovascular disease.
The Established Side Effects of Statins
Statins are known to cause muscle pain in about 1% of users, along with a slight increase in blood sugar levels, which could potentially push individuals borderline diabetic into type 2 diabetes. But what about the myriad of other health risks listed?
Debunking the Myths
A new evaluation, recently published, has found that out of 66 listed risks, 62 are not supported by substantial evidence. The study discovered that individuals were just as likely to report the same issues regardless of whether they were taking a statin or a placebo. For instance, only 0.2% of users reported experiencing 'brain fog', a figure identical to those taking a placebo.
The Verdict From an Extensive Review
A decade-long review of 19 large randomized clinical trials involving over 122,000 participants did find strong evidence for four possible side effects: changes in liver tests, minor liver abnormalities, changes in urine, and tissue swelling. However, the associated risks are deemed extremely small.
A Champion in Preventive Cardiology
Statins are highly effective in reducing levels of LDL, or 'bad' cholesterol, and prevent blockages in blood vessels, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 25%. Their generic forms are affordable, costing around $40 a year. As more data is collected on the benefits of lowering bad cholesterol, new methods of determining who might benefit suggest starting individuals on these medications earlier than currently recommended to avoid future cardiovascular risks.
The Gap in Prevention
While advice to avoid cardiovascular disease typically focuses on diet and exercise first, there has been a lack of data to guide who might benefit from starting medication earlier, especially for those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease.
The Reality of Statin Side Effects
Despite the effectiveness of statins in reducing the rates of major cardiovascular events, there is a general reluctance to commit to long-term medication. This is particularly true for statins due to fears about muscle soreness, including a condition called rhabdomyolysis. The Lancet paper concluded that less serious muscle symptoms appear in about 1% of patients.
Statins and Diabetes
Concerning the noted increase in blood glucose levels, this was found to most often occur in individuals already on the brink of diabetes diagnosis. Diabetes is a significant cardiovascular risk factor, but the advantages of statins vastly outweigh their risks, making the presence of already diagnosed diabetes alone a reason to prescribe statins.
Statins and Liver Disease
While statins did cause a 0.1% increased risk of abnormal liver blood test results, there was no increase in liver diseases such as hepatitis or liver failure. The same was true for changes in urine tests.
The Challenge of Drug Labeling
Experts acknowledge the struggle to balance potential harms with the benefits of drug usage. This is especially true in the early stages of drug trials, before large amounts of data are gathered. The need for robust analyses that are free from bias is evident.
Trust in the Medical Community
The reluctance to start long-term medications, such as statins, may not solely be addressed by debunking the listed warnings. Building trust in the medical community may be a more effective approach, particularly given the skepticism that has increased in recent times.