The more that is learned about statin drugs and the potential harm they cause to the body, the less reasons there are for a person to consider taking The more that is learned about statin drugs and the potential harm they cause to the body, the less reasons there are for a person to consider taking them. The evidence continues to mount that the possibilities of reduced good health far outweigh the benefits of any cholesterol reduction.

From the time that statins entered mainstream medicine and became widely prescribed in the U.S. population, it has been known that their most frequent adverse side effect is muscle weakness. However, in a recent review of nearly 900 statin drug studies, numerous other problems caused by the drug came to light.

“Muscle problems are the best known of statin drugs’ adverse side effects,” said Beatrice Golomb M.D., who was the director of the UC San Diego’s Statin Study group. “But cognitive problems and peripheral neuropathy or pain or numbness in the extremities like fingers and toes are also widely reported.” In addition to muscle soreness, tendon problems are also widely reported.

The study also presented important evidence that statins can have a harmful effect on positive energy production and can elevate the levels of harmful “free radicals” in the body. The body produces energy in cellular structures called mitochondria. When statins are introduced into the system, the body produces less energy and introduces more “free radicals.”

The substance that is involved in the production of energy and the reduction of “free radicals” is known as Coenzyme Q 10 (Q10). The problem develops because statins lower the levels of Q10 by blocking the pathway involved in cholesterol production and it happens to be the same pathway by which Q10 is produced. The final nail in the coffin is that statins also reduce the cholesterol that transports Q10 and other fat-soluble antioxidants vital to health and the reduction of these “free radicals.”

Finally, the longer a person takes statin drugs and the more powerful the prescription, the greater the risk the person has to suffer one or more of these adverse effects. “The risk of adverse effects goes up as age goes up,” said Dr. Golomb. “This also helps explain why statins’ benefits have not been found to exceed their risks in those over 70 or 75 years old, even those with heart disease.” High blood pressure and diabetes are linked to higher rates of mitochondrial problems so these conditions are also clearly linked to higher risk of statin complications, she added.

This study clearly points out that the drugging solution to handling cholesterol can only lead to a wider scope of health problems. This solution offered by the drug companies and promoted to the max by medical doctors may fit the lifestyle of Americans looking for the quick cholesterol fix, but certainly opens the door to numerous adverse effects and complications over time.

For those concerned with high cholesterol in their system, diet and exercise can go a long way to reduce cholesterol levels and enhance health at the same time. A consultation with a natural healthcare provider rather than a medical doctor, and a nutritional approach rather than a drugging solution will put a person on the path to both reduced cholesterol and more healthy living.
 
Source: The World Chiropractic Alliance. “Study Reveals Risk of Statin Drugs.” April 2009. http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/2009/apr/j.htm

Posted in: Drugs, Statins