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Statins, The New Wonder Drug?
from: Dr. West ConnerStatins are a group of medications used to decrease cholesterol
in the body. This reduction is shown to prevent heart attacks
and strokes. Recent research, however, is shedding a new light
on the potential benefits of these drugs.
In a study involving more than 50,000 patients, statins showed a
benefit in patients with atherosclerotic disease, or hardening
of the arteries. Not only do the medications lower cholesterol,
they have favorable effects on the blood vessels, kidneys, and
bone. Statins were shown to decrease blood clot formation and
scientists are linking statins to a reduced risk for developing
Alzheimer's disease, prostate and colon cancer, bone fractures,
macular degeneration, glaucoma, and osteoporosis.
Statins may also be useful for treating multiple sclerosis,
rheumatoid arthritis, and certain kidney diseases. The issue at
stake here is; the scientists are not exactly sure how they work
to combat these diseases. What they do know for sure is statins
have a proven track record in preventing strokes and heart
attacks.
Researchers are speculating that cholesterol causes an increase
of plaque buildup in the area of the brain damaged in
Alzheimer's disease. Six published studies show a decrease in
dementia or Alzheimer's disease in those patients using a
statin. They summarize that the decrease in cholesterol reduces
the damaging plaque buildup in the brain.
The breast cancer studies have conflicting results with regards
to cancer protection. Of the six published studies, four
concluded no effect on beast cancer. One study showed a
protective benefit but only after five years of taking the
statin. Another study showed a large decrease in the risk of
breast cancer in women over the age of 75.
Five different studies, involving more that 75,000 people,
showed that taking statins reduced fractures. In four different
studies, statin use was associated with a lower risk of hip and
nonspine fractures. Conversely, several studies have also shown
that statins have no effect on bode density or reduction of
fractures.
Two studies looked at the effects statins have on the kidneys.
Results show that the statins reduced the amount of protein in
the urine. An excess amount of protein is released in the urine
as a result of kidney damage. Another analysis showed a
significant reduction in the loss of kidney function.
Only one study has examined the benefits of statins on multiple
sclerosis. At the conclusion of the research, those who received
the statin had a significant reduction on multiple sclerosis
markers compared to those who took a placebo.
Statins have been used successfully for years and are well
tolerated with few serious side effects. A rare but serious side
effect presents itself with muscle pain and tenderness. Tell
your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any unusual
muscle soreness or weakness.
It is still too soon to advise doctors to prescribe these
medications for treating anything other than high cholesterol.
The research is too conflicting and there are still too many
unanswered questions. Researchers are currently examining how
cholesterol adversely affects several different disease states.
They are looking into whether the lowering of cholesterol has a
positive effect or if the benefit is directly due to the statin.
About the author:
Dr. West Conner is the author of the incredibly popular workbook
"How To Save Money On Your Prescription Drugs" and the audio CD
"Are You Spending Too Much On Your Prescriptions?" He is
currently active in assisting clients who are having difficulty
affording their prescription drugs. Through his many years of
practice, Dr. Conner has developed a number of ways to lower
prescription costs. Visit www.rxcostcutters.com for more
details.
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