The Advantages of Statins
- For many years we knew that statins decreased LDL cholesterol which was supposed to be the bad cholesterol. We thought that lowering cholesterol was the main action of statins. Definitively cardiovascular disease and mortality were decreased,
- Then we found out that statins were decreasing inflammation as measured by C reactive protein. Therefore it was thought that statins worked rather in decreasing inflammation than in lowering cholesterol in improving cardiovascular disease.
- Then statins were found to be protective in brain health. Cognitive dysfuction improved in people who took statins. WE still do not know for sure whether statins help in Dementia and Alzheimer’s. But they certainly do not harm the brain as less inflammation and less cholesterol may be welcome.
- The newest advantage is that statin therapy may cut the risk of joint replacement in people who suffer from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. So if anybody has that condition, higher doses of statins may help you to avoid joint replacement in the future, A new drug to relieve the pain of arthritis will be available soon.
- People with colon polyps or colorectal cancer history fared better when they took statins. This effect is probably due to the anti-inflammatory property of the statins..Then why does not anybody take statins. People are fearful of the side effects associated with this class of drugs especially muscle cramps. There are methods to improve the side effects like changing the statin or possibly adding CoQ10. Also there is another group of injectable drugs like Praluent and Repatha that reduce cholesterol levels and that may be added to the statins.