Cholesterol and the Effect of Simvastatin
What is cholesterol?
What causes high cholesterol?
How can I reduce my cholesterol levels?
Will I need to take medication?
What are the benefits of taking statins?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance which is found in the blood. It is mainly made in the body. Cholesterol plays an essential role in how every cell in the body works. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart problems.
LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol
Cholesterol is carried around the body by proteins. These combinations of cholesterol and proteins are called lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins:
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the harmful type of cholesterol.
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is a protective type of cholesterol.
Having too much harmful cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of getting cardiovascular disease. The risk is particularly high if you have a high level of LDL cholesterol and a low level of HDL cholesterol.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of fatty substance in the blood. They are found in foods such as dairy products, meat and cooking oils. They can also be produced in the body, either by the body’s fat stores or in the liver. People who are very overweight, eat a lot of fatty and sugary foods, or drink too much alcohol are more likely to have a high triglyceride level.
People with high triglyceride levels have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease than people with lower levels.
One of the causes of high blood cholesterol levels amount people in the UK is eating too much saturated fat. The cholesterol which is found in some foods such as eggs, liver, kidneys and some types of seafood eg. prawns, does not usually make a great contribution to the level of cholesterol in your blood. It is much more important that you eat foods that are low in saturated fat.
However, some people have high blood cholesterol even though they eat a healthy diet. For example, they may have inherited a condition called familial hyperlipidaemia (FH).
How can I reduce my cholesterol levels?
To help reduce your cholesterol level, you need to cut down on saturated fats and trans fats and replace them with monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.
You should also reduce the total amount of fat you eat.
Eat oily fish regularly. Oily fish provides the richest source of a particular type of polyunsaturated fat known as omega-3 fats which can help to lower blood triglyceride levels and also helps prevent the blood from clotting, and help to regulate the heart rhythm.
Eat a high-fibre diet. Foods that are high in 'soluble fibre' such as porridge, beans, pulses, lentils, nuts, fruits and vegetables, can help lower cholesterol.
Doing regular physical activity can help increase your HDL cholesterol (the 'protective' type of cholesterol).
Will eating sterol-enriched foods help reduce my cholesterol level?
There is evidence to show that substances called 'plant sterols' and 'stanols' may help reduce cholesterol levels. They are added to certain foods including margarines, spreads, soft cheeses and yoghurts.
Whether you need to take cholesterol-lowering drugs or not depends not just on your total cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels, but also on your overall risk of coronary heart disease.
Cholesterol-lowering medicines such as statins are prescribed for people who are at greatest overall risk of suffering from coronary heart disease.
Statins are a drug prescribed to healthy, high-risk people to protect them from heart disease
If you have already had a heart attack or stroke you will also be prescribed a statin to help prevent further problems and to keep your heart healthy.
Statins reduce the amount of cholesterol produced in the body. Your body produces cholesterol naturally, and it is essential for many of your systems to work, but too much cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.
Statins reduce the amount of cholesterol that your cells make, forcing them to instead gather cholesterol from your blood stream, reducing your blood cholesterol level.
Statins reduce the levels of 'bad cholesterol', the low-density lipoprotein or LDL. High levels of LDL can lead to the build up of fatty deposits in your arteries and can lead to coronary heart disease.
A large amount of research has shown that lowering blood cholesterol reduces your risk of heart disease and heart attacks.
Do statins have side effects?
Like all medicines, statins carry potential side effects,but the side effects of statins are usually mild, easy to recognise, reversible and very rarely dangerous. Statins are among the safest drugs and one of the most studied medicines available today.
Some people experience muscle pain, but this usually stops soon after taking the statin. If it doesn't, you should tell your GP. Your GP may want to reduce the dose of the statin or switch to a different one.
Very rarely, muscles can leak protein that may build up in the kidneys. This can cause a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis. It is very rare and affects about one in every 100,000 people.
Do statins increase my risk of Parkinson's disease or Alzheimers?
No, there is no evidence that statins cause these conditions. Some research has identified an association, but often associations between diseased and medicines often turn out to be a coincidental link.
What is the difference between statins?
All statins do the same job, but different types have slightly different chemical structures. This means that if you are sensitive to one, you might not be to another.
Do I have to take statins for life?
Most people take statins on a long-term basis. Your body will always produce cholesterol, so if you stop taking a statin, it is likely your cholesterol levels will rise.
When should I take my statin?
Cholesterol is produced when you are asleep, so take them before bed if you can. It is important to take medicines regularly, so find a time that works for you and stick to it.
Do I need to avoid any foods or other drugs?
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication as other drugs might affect them. If you are taking simvastatin, avoid grapefruit - both whole and juice and as it contains a compound which blocks its breakdown.
Are statins safe and effective for women?
Yes, studies so far show that statins are equally safe and effective for men and women. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you shouldn't take statins. If you are already taking statins but would like to become pregnant, speak to your doctor first.
Do I have a choice about taking statins?
No one will force you to take any drug, but keep in mind that a statin will reduce your risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack. This risk is substantially reduced by taking a statin.
