Integral part of treatment: Cardiologist reveals truth about popular medications
How to take statins properly (photo: Freepik)
Statins are considered to be the main medications prescribed for patients with high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. There are many myths around them that should not be believed, according to Ukrainian cardiologist Natalia Ivaniuk.
What is known about statins
A cardiologist says they have been an integral part of treatment for over three decades.
They reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in the blood, which helps prevent the formation of plaques in blood vessels, improving their patency and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
For 30 years, they have been the leading medications for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
The cardiologist noted that new injectable drugs that inactivate the PCSK9 gene in the liver (incliziran, evolocumab, alirocumab) have appeared on the market, but they have not been able to replace statins completely.
Popular myths
Statins and the liver
The medication does not harm the liver or lead to cirrhosis. On the contrary, it may reduce the risk of its development.
Muscle pain
Statins do not break down muscles or make them weak. Although occasional side effects like muscle pain may occur, it is rare and mostly associated with the use of low-quality generics or older forms of the drug, such as lovastatin and simvastatin.
Impact on the brain
Statins do not cause dementia or Alzheimer's disease, unlike atherosclerosis of the arteries in the brain, which can worsen cognitive function.
Cancer risk
The doctor notes that they do not cause cancer, cataracts, or joint damage. These are common myths.
Statins and male health
They do not lead to impotence. In reality, problems with potency are more often caused by atherosclerosis of the penile arteries rather than the intake of statins.
Natalia Ivaniuk also added that statins are a reliable treatment for atherosclerosis, confirming their effectiveness and safety through years of clinical use. However, it is not recommended to take them without a doctor's prescription.
Earlier, we reported on 5 cases when it is not allowed to measure blood pressure.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
