Statins: what they are, what they are for, types and side effects

Statins are medicines indicated to lower bad cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, and prevent the development of complications and cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke.

This is because statins, such as simvastatin, atorvastatin or rosuvastatin, act by reducing the production of cholesterol, which when levels are high can be deposited on the walls of blood vessels, leading to narrowing or clogging of these vessels.

Statins should be used with the advice of a cardiologist, associated with physical exercise and a balanced diet, rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables and good fats. Find out what a cholesterol-lowering diet should be like.

What are worth for

Statins are indicated to lower bad cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol and/or triglycerides, and reduce the risk of developing:

• Coronary diseases;
• Atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke;
• Myocardial revascularization procedures, such as bypass or angioplasty;
• Hospitalization for angina;
• Complications of diabetes, such as revascularization procedures, amputations or leg ulcers;
• Need for peripheral revascularization;
• Mortality from coronary heart disease.

The use of statins must be carried out with a cardiologist’s recommendation, with regular medical monitoring and tests to assess blood cholesterol levels, in addition to evaluating the emergence of side effects.

If you want to be monitored by a cardiologist, make an appointment in the region closest to you:

How they work

Statins act by selectively inhibiting an enzyme in the liver, HMG-CoA reductase, which reduces cholesterol production and cholesterol levels in the liver.

Generally, this medicine is indicated when diet and physical activity are not enough to reduce or control bad cholesterol and/or triglycerides in people with hypercholesterolemia and/or hypertriglyceridemia. See what a diet to lower cholesterol should be like.

6 main types of statins and dose

The main types of statins vary according to their intensity and dose, the main ones being:

The type of statin, as well as its dose and dose adjustments, must be indicated by the cardiologist on an individual basis. See other remedies that may be indicated to lower cholesterol.

How to drink

Statins should be taken orally, with a glass of water, in doses and at times established by the doctor.

In the case of atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and pitavastatin, you can take the tablet with or without food, at any time of the day. Learn how to use rosuvastatin correctly.

In the case of pravastatin, it can also be taken with or without food, but preferably at night.

For lovastatin and simvastatin, it is recommended to take it with a meal, at night. See how to take simvastatin.

What is the difference between statins?

All statins act by reducing cholesterol and triglycerides, however, the difference between them is the intensity with which they exert their effect, which can be low, moderate or high.

This intensity of the effect varies according to the type of statin, as well as its dose, and the choice of the type of statin to be used depends on the person’s risk of developing cardiovascular problems.

Therefore, the use of statins should only be done under the guidance of a cardiologist, after evaluating general health status and risk factors, as well as blood tests that measure cholesterol and triglycerides. See the main cholesterol tests and how to understand the results.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects of statins are:

• Headache;
• Constipation or diarrhea;
• Excess intestinal gas;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Stomach or abdominal pain;
• Muscle pain;
• Stuffy nose, sneezing or sore throat.

Additionally, although rarer, statins can cause more serious side effects, such as myositis, which is inflammation of the muscles, or rhabdomyolysis, which is the destruction of muscle fibers.

Therefore, you should go to the emergency room immediately if symptoms such as muscle pain in the hips, shoulders, neck or back, weakness, excessive tiredness, fever or dark-colored urine appear. Know how to identify all the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis.

Who shouldn’t use

Statins should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Furthermore, these medications should not be used by people who are allergic to statins or other components of the pills.

Statins should be used with caution by people who use antifungals, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, antiretrovirals, or antibiotics, as some of these medications may increase the risk of serious side effects from statins.

In the case of children over 6 years of age, some statins may be indicated, but they should only be used if indicated by the pediatrician.