Side Effects Of Statins (Lipid Lowering Drugs)

satins are a group of medications used to treat high blood cholesterol levels although cholesterol has a bad reputation it is an essential component of our cell membranes and is required for the synthesis of steroid hormones such as testosterone and estrogen vitamin d and bile however having too much cholesterol in blood can be dangerous especially in the long term run because they can be deposited in various tissues mainly the arteries and cause serious complications including angina heart attack strokes and peripheral vascular disease cholesterol synthesis occurs in the liver there are several different types of cholesterol in our body out of them ldl which is the bad type of cholesterol and hdl which is the good type of cholesterol are the major two types satins reduce the production of cholesterol by inhibiting the rate limiting step of the cholesterol synthesis pathway by doing so it reduces the ldl cholesterol levels as well as increases the hdl cholesterol levels it also reduces triglyceride levels in moderation five most widely available satins are atorvastatin and simvastatin being the most potent ones and pravastatin simvastatin and fluvastatin which are less potent satins are usually taken at night because most of the cholesterol synthesis takes place during night in general satins are well tolerated by most individuals satin should not be taken by individuals with underlying liver disease because these medications are metabolized by the liver and any liver disease can cause buildup of satins in the blood leading to severe liver toxicity pregnant women and lactating mothers also should not be taking satins as lipid lowering agents common side effects of satins include the following myalgia or muscle pain which is the commonest one headache and dizziness feeling sick gastrointestinal problems such as constipation or diarrhea and indigestion and sleeping difficulties rhabdomyolysis or muscle breakdown is one of the more serious side effects however it is extremely rare and usually associated with other comorbid conditions such as hypothyroidism as well as usage of multiple medications and alcohol abuse other rare side effects of satins include the following hair loss hepatitis pancreatitis stomach pain and loss of sex drive and erectile dysfunction okay those are the main side effects of satins hope someone found this video interesting and helpful thanks for watching