Statins are commonly prescript all over the world as a medicine to reduce cholesterol levels. Although they have reliable results on treating cholesterol, recent researches have shown that these pills have a dangerous side.
They are also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, belonging to a class of lipid-lowering medication. Studies recognize their benefits in reducing cardiovascular disease and mortality in higher risk patients, being able to treat early stages of cardiovascular diseases to elevated risk patients.
These compounds deplete and antioxidant that is needed by every cell in the body (coenzyme Q10). This enzyme is necessary to produce energy, promotes cell growth and maintenance and protects the body from oxidative stress (that leads to many diseases). Also, it reduces the synthesis of vitamin K2 and reduce the excessive production of ketone bodies, increasing the risk of serious diseases.
Lately has been found that statins have side effects like muscle pain, increase the risk of diabetes, abnormalities in liver enzyme tests. Besides they are also related to more complicated diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, cataracts and others.
In this article we present you diseases associated with the taking of statins.
1. Cancer
Recent studies show that a long-term usage of statin more than doubles the risk of a woman develop 2 distinct types of breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma. Statins are also bad for men’s health since they increase the risk of prostate cancer.
2. Diabetes
Statins are also related to increasing diabetes risk in diverse ways. They can both increase insulin resistance and raise blood sugar levels. Also, these compounds prevent the liver from making cholesterol, this will cause a return of the sugar to the bloodstream. The higher the intake (dosage) of statins, the greater is the risk to develop diabetes.
3. Neurodegenerative Diseases
25% of your body cholesterol is in your brain since it is essential for synapses. Synapses are information transference processes that allow people to think, learn and have memories. Statins reduces the production of ketones (the brain fuel) that also protect the brain from seizures, neurodegenerative diseases and age-related brain diseases. Also, a recent study found a relation between the intake of statins and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s.
4. Musculoskeletal Disorders
Researchers have found out that people who use statins have a higher tendency to develop musculoskeletal conditions, injuries and pain comparing with people that don’t take it. These compounds destroy proteins that contain selenium, the responsible for preventing oxidative stress damage in muscles. Statin use has been associated with developing myalgia, muscle weakness, muscle cramps and autoimmune muscle disease.
5. Cataracts
Databases and reviews from PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane have found a relation between cataracts and taking statins. In a group of 10 000 people that take statins, 307 have cataracts. The risk increases itself just by taking the medicine.
Aside this side effects, if you suffer from high cholesterol you should always talk to your doctor to make sure which treatments are the best for you.
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