Side-Effects Of Cholesterol-Reducing Medications: When Can You Stop Taking Statins

High cholesterol can be bad for your heart. Over time, it can cause dangerous amounts of fatty deposits to accumulate on the walls of the artery, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. If not treated on time, these deposits can break down or clot, reducing the flow of blood through the arteries and increasing your chances of a heart attack or stroke. 

Usually, cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. A "very high" level of cholesterol is generally considered to be 190 mg/dL or higher, in light of which, doctors may prescribe statins, which are cholesterol-lowering medications. But these medications are not to be taken lightly. There are several do's and don'ts, side effects, and common mistakes people make when it comes to taking statins. Here’s what a doctor has to say about the same. 

Also Read: THIS Cholesterol Symptom Could Strike At Night: Other Warning Signs To Note

What Are Statins?

Dr Amit Pendharkar, Director- Cardiology, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, defines statins as specific drugs that are often prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, which in turn helps prevent heart attacks and stroke. 

A study published in the JAMA Network found that statin therapy was associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality, fatal or nonfatal stroke, and fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack. 

But before we jump into more details around statin, let us understand why not all cholesterol is bad for our body. 

According to Dr Pendharkar, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)  cholesterol are the two main types of cholesterol, of which former is termed as ‘bad’ cholesterol and is responsible for increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. The latter also known as ‘good’ cholesterol helps in the removal of cholesterol from the bloodstream and blockages in arteries, and sending it back to the liver for processing and elimination. 

Statins help reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the body and improve HDL cholesterol. As per a study published in the Methodist Debakey Cardiovascular Journal, use of lipid-lowering medications (like statin) helps slow the rate of atherosclerosis disease progression and can even reverse disease if treated aggressively.

However, it is not meant for everyone with elevated cholesterol levels. They are to be taken under close supervision of a doctor, stresses Dr Pendhakar. 

Side Effects To Note

While most people tolerate statins quite well, some may have side effects. The most common statin side effects include:

• Muscle aches
• Tenderness or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation and abdominal cramping 
• A rash
• Low levels of platelets

Other less common side effects of statins include: 

• Hair loss
• Numbness or tingling on your skin
• Inflammation of liver or pancreas
• Sexual problems like Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or a low sex drive 
• Mental confusion
• Memory loss
• Type 2 diabetes

Statins also have the potential to interact with other medications, says Dr Pendharkar. 

Also Read: Understanding The Risk Of Calcium Buildup In Your Arteries: Warning Signs To Note

When Should You Stop Taking Statins

Statins are an effective treatment against high cholesterol levels. However, it is important to remember that one should not begin or stop taking the prescriptions on their own, says the doctor, adding, “Some of the common mistakes people tend to commit while on statins include not seeking medical advice before deciding to stop taking statins as certain conditions require continuation of statins even if your cholesterol is normal.”

This means, you should only start or stop taking statins after speaking to your doctor and not according to how you feel. 

In addition, it is essential you do not rely solely on the medications, rather make efforts to change your lifestyle habits and resort to choices that are heart-healthy. For instance, controlling your sugar and alcohol intake, monitoring your diet, avoiding all forms of fats, instead considering healthier options that are high in monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, nuts; you can also include polyunsaturated fats rich in omega 3 fatty acid, such as fish, chia seeds and walnuts. Also, do not forget to exercise for at least thirty minutes in a day.

Make sure to go for a regular lipid profile test to assess your levels of LDL, cholesterol and triglycerides, and remember, do not self-medicate!