Tag

Statins

All articles tagged with #statins

health6 days ago•42 min saved

Lancet findings reinforce statins' safety amid anti-statin myths

A large Lancet analysis pooling data from over 120,000 patients across 19 randomized trials finds that statins do not meaningfully increase most side effects and their cardiovascular benefits far outweigh potential risks. The piece attributes the ongoing “statin hysteria” to misinformation and celebrity/aut online narratives, noting past observational studies were misinterpreted and that skeptics persist despite this stronger evidence.

via vox.com|

#cardiovascular-health #cholesterol #health

life-and-style16 days ago•15 min saved

Statins: safer than feared, but protection isn’t a substitute for healthy living

A Lancet review suggests statins are generally well tolerated, easing concerns about memory loss or sleep disturbances. About 10 million in the UK take statins, mainly for primary prevention, but benefits depend on baseline cardiovascular risk. NICE estimates that at a 10% 10-year risk, 40 strokes or heart attacks could be prevented per 1,000 people over 10 years; numbers needed to treat vary (roughly 200 people for five years to prevent one heart attack in primary prevention, about 300 to prevent one stroke, with better figures for secondary prevention). The article emphasizes that diet and lifestyle remain crucial and that statins are risk reducers, not a substitute for healthy habits. It also notes tools like QRisk to estimate personal risk, though those estimates have limitations.

via The Times|

#cardiovascular #diet #life-and-style

health20 days ago•7 min saved

Most statin side effects lack evidence, major meta-analysis finds

A Lancet meta-analysis of 19 large randomized trials (over 122,000 participants) finds that most reported statin side effects are not supported by reliable evidence, with real adverse effects being rare (about 1% muscle symptoms; rare rhabdomyolysis; small increases in liver tests and glucose for those near diabetes thresholds). The benefits remain substantial: roughly 25% lower risk of heart attack or stroke and meaningful LDL reductions, with inexpensive generic options (~$40/year). Updated PREVENT-based risk estimates could expand who should start statins, underscoring that fears of side effects should not unduly deter appropriate preventive therapy.

via statnews.com|

#cardiovascular-disease #guidelines #health

health20 days ago•3 min saved

Lancet review finds statins far safer than warnings suggest

A Lancet study reviewing trials of statins (over 120,000 participants) finds side effects are rare and not caused by statins, with minimal liver impact and only rare muscle or blood-sugar issues. The findings support updating patient leaflets, emphasize that statins significantly reduce LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, and reinforce their role in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

via BBC|

#cardiovascular-disease #health #lancet

health20 days ago•2 min saved

Big statin side-effect list largely not caused by the drugs, study finds

A Lancet meta-analysis of 19 randomized trials involving about 124,000 participants over roughly 4.5 years finds that 62 of the 66 side-effects listed for statins have no solid evidence of being caused by the drugs; only four (liver test changes, minor liver abnormalities, urine changes, tissue swelling) have evidence supporting them. Overall, the risk of side-effects is very small and the cardiovascular benefits of statins—reducing heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths—greatly outweigh harms, prompting calls to update labeling to better reflect the evidence and reassure patients and doctors.

via The Guardian|

#cardiovascular #health #lancet

health24 days ago•4 min saved

Calcium Gate Leak Behind Statin-Related Muscle Pain, Study Finds

A new study links statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) to calcium leaking into muscle cells via the RyR1 channel when statins bind to it, a finding observed in mice using cryo-EM. This mechanism explains why about 10% of statin users experience muscle pain and suggests two potential remedies: redesign statins to avoid RyR1 binding or use Rycal drugs to close the calcium gates and prevent muscle weakness.

via ScienceAlert|

#calcium-influx #health #rhabdomyolysis

science25 days ago•6 min saved

Statin Muscle Pain Linked to Calcium Leak Through RyR1, Study Finds

Researchers show that statins bind to the RyR1 muscle channel and force it open, causing a toxic calcium leak that can trigger pain and damage; using cryo-electron microscopy to study atorvastatin, the team mapped a binding pattern and suggested designing safer statins that retain cholesterol-lowering effects without muscle harm.

via ScienceDaily|

#calcium #cryo-electron-microscopy #muscle-pain

health-and-medicine28 days ago•7 min saved

Statins May Boost Immunotherapy by Blocking Cancer PD-L1 Cargo

Researchers found that cancer cells load the immune-inhibiting protein PD-L1 into tiny extracellular vesicles via the protein UBL3, helping tumors suppress immune responses. Statins block this UBL3-driven modification, reducing PD-L1 cargo and potentially improving responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors, with supporting evidence from non-small cell lung cancer patients showing fewer PD-L1–containing vesicles in those taking statins.

via ScienceDaily|

#cancer-immunotherapy #extracellular-vesicles #health-and-medicine

health1 month ago•71 min saved

Cardiologist debunks eight cholesterol myths

A consultant cardiologist busts eight common cholesterol myths, stressing that slim people can have high LDL, total cholesterol alone isn’t a reliable risk measure, and that cholesterol levels change with age and menopause; familial hypercholesterolaemia can cause early heart disease, HDL isn’t always protective, dietary cholesterol like eggs has a smaller impact than saturated fat, and statins aren’t a license to splurge on unhealthy foods. For management, doctors rely on detailed lipid profiles (TC, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and risk scores, with diet helping but often medication needed.

via The Telegraph|

#cholesterol #hdl #health

health-and-medicine1 month ago•7 min saved

Statin Muscle Pain Linked to Calcium Leaks in Muscle Cells

Columbia University researchers report that certain statins, notably simvastatin, can bind to the ryanodine receptor in muscle cells and trigger a calcium leak, which weakens muscles or activates enzymes that degrade them, offering a possible explanation for statin-related pain and suggesting approaches such as designing safer statins or using drugs that block the calcium leak.

via ScienceDaily|

#calcium-leak #cryo-em #health-and-medicine

health1 month ago•4 min saved

What the Evidence Reveals About Statins and Health Concerns

Statins are effective in reducing heart attack and stroke risk by lowering LDL cholesterol, with large clinical trials supporting their use, especially for high-risk individuals. While they have potential side effects like muscle issues and interactions with other drugs, most people tolerate them well. Lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are also crucial for managing cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, and treatment should be personalized based on individual risk factors and lifestyle.

via Japan Today|

#cardiovascular-risk #cholesterol #health

health1 month ago•2 min saved

Consuming this with statins may trigger toxic reactions

Millions of UK adults taking statins should avoid grapefruit and its juice, as the chemical interaction can increase drug absorption and cause potentially toxic effects. Not all statins are equally affected, so consulting a healthcare professional is essential before making dietary changes. Other citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are generally safe.

via The Mirror|

#cholesterol #drug-interactions #grapefruit

health1 month ago•5 min saved

3 Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol with Fewer Side Effects

The article discusses natural and lifestyle-based alternatives to statins for lowering cholesterol, including dietary changes like increasing soluble fiber and healthy fats, regular physical activity, weight loss, and supplements such as red yeast rice and omega-3 fatty acids, while also mentioning prescription options for those who cannot tolerate statins.

via Woman's World|

#cholesterol #health #heart-health

health1 month ago•3 min saved

Scientists Uncover Why Statins Cause Side Effects

Scientists at Columbia have discovered that statins may cause muscle pain by binding to the ryanodine receptor in muscle cells, leading to abnormal calcium leaks, which could weaken muscle tissue. This finding opens avenues for designing safer statins and potential treatments to prevent muscle side effects.

via SciTechDaily|

#calcium #health #molecular-research

health2 months ago•5 min saved

What the Evidence Reveals About Statins and Health Concerns

Statins are effective in reducing heart attack and stroke risk by lowering LDL cholesterol, with large clinical trials supporting their use, especially for high-risk individuals. While they have some side effects and drug interactions, most people tolerate them well. Lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise are also crucial and can sometimes delay or reduce the need for medication. Treatment should be personalized, balancing benefits and risks, with a focus on addressing broader lifestyle factors to combat heart disease.

via The Conversation|

#cardiovascular-risk #cholesterol #health