Learn about Statins – For Better or for Worse? JACC found that statins prevent those who exercise from reaping benefits such as stronger muscles & improved breathing efficiency.
One major risk factor for heart disease is high cholesterol. Because high “bad” cholesterol can stick to arteries, narrow them, or block them, doctors prescribe statins to reduce cholesterol levels and slow the formation of plaques in your arteries. Benefits aside, are there any risks involved?
Problem Solved?
Although statins do a good job of lowering cholesterol, most people who take them get “more than they paid for”. Side effects of statins include headaches, difficulty sleeping, flushing skin, dizziness, bloating, drowsiness, nausea, and diarrhea. Based on investigations and reports, last year the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) required changes to warning labels on statin medications. These new safety warnings include memory loss, mental confusion, and high blood sugar associated with diabetes risk for statin users.
Other problems associated with statin use include severe muscle aches, weakness, soreness, or tenderness (myopathy). Muscle inflammation can be so great that it impairs many from waling, working or exercising. In fact, a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that statins prevent those who exercise from reaping benefits such as stronger muscles and improved breathing efficiency. Other organs that can be affected by statins include the liver and kidney.
Should it Matter to You?
Based on a recent update to the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology’s guidelines, it has been predicted that twice as many Americans will need to start taking statins. Currently, 15% of adults are on statins. With the new guidelines, about 22% of women and 44% of men will be advised to take statins.
Although nearly one-third of adults will be advised to start taking statins, the root of high cholesterol problems may not be solved. The new guidelines also require higher doses of statins to be given. Greater doses mean greater side effects, as outlined above. Greater access to and wider use of pills will not encourage a shift to a healthier lifestyle.
Try to avoid rainy days. It will be hard to keep your body temperature above the danger zone if your body is wet. Also, if you are soaked, your layers will not be able to protect you from losing body heat. Dr. Bryant advises that if the wind chill falls below minus 20°F, the conditions may be too dangerous to workout outdoors.
A healthy, Balanced Diet with an efficient workout routine is still key for lowering cholesterol. Support every workout with the proper nutrients.
REFERENCES
Bruckert E, Hayem G, Dejager S, Yau C, Bégaud B. Mild to moderate muscular symptoms with high-dosage statin therapy in hyperlipidemic patients--the PRIMO study. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16453090. Accessed December 16, 2014.
Learn about Statins – For Better or for Worse? JACC found that statins prevent those who exercise from reaping benefits such as stronger muscles & improved breathing efficiency.
