Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Are Statins?Benefits of StatinsWhen They Are UsedWhat They TreatMonitoring TreatmentSide EffectsFAQs
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Are Statins?
Benefits of Statins
When They Are Used
What They Treat
Monitoring Treatment
Side Effects
FAQs
More is not always better when it comes to statins. Low-dose statins can be used to ensure theappropriatedose—meaning a dose high enough to achieve the optimal effects but not so high as to cause potentially seriousside effects, like liver and kidney problems.
This article explains what low-dose statins are, when they are used, and how effective they are at lowering cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Hypercholesterolemiais defined as having total cholesterol greater than 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).
The two main types of cholesterol are “bad"low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterolwhich can build up in arteries and “good"high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterolwhich helps remove bad cholesterol from the body.
Statins are categorized as being either low-, medium-, or high-intensity. There are currently four classified as low-intensity:
Low-dose statins may be ideal for those who are unable to tolerate higher doses. Even at lower doses, statins may be just as effective in lowering LDL levels.
Benefits of Low-Dose Statins
The primary benefit of low-dose statins is that they can often achieve these benefits without exposing you to high doses you may not need. If you are on a high-intensity statin and maintaining tight control of your blood cholesterol, ask your healthcare provider if a lower-dose statin can be used instead.
Recommendations for Use
Clinical studies support the benefits of low-dose statins, particularly for older adults. A 10-year study published in theAnnals of Internal Medicinereported that low- to moderate-intensity statins reduced LDL levels even more effectively in older adults than younger adults.
This doesn’t mean that all older adults should be put on low-dose statins or that all younger adults should be put on high-dose statins. As a general rule, a person should be started at the lowest possible dose and gradually increased if they are unable to achieve the desired result.
According to the USPSTF, low- or moderate-dose statins should be used in adults 40 to 75 who haven’t had a heart attack or stroke but have at least one risk factor for heart disease (such asdiabetes,high blood pressure, orsmoking) and a calculated 10-year risk of heart disease of at least 7.5%.
If target cholesterol goals aren’t met and the person is adherent to treatment, an increase in dosage may be justified.
Conditions Treated With Low-Dose Statins
In addition to lowering cholesterol, statins decreasevasculitis (blood vessel inflammation), manage plaque buildup, andprevent blood clots.
Through various pathways, statins can even lower blood pressure, especially in those with high blood pressure who are on stable blood pressure lowering therapy.
Statins are currently only approved to treat cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Nonetheless, more research is needed to determine if other conditions can be treated with low-dose statins.
Some healthcare providers may use low-dose statins off-label to treat some inflammatory and neurologic conditions.
Managing Low-Dose Statin Therapy
Because no symptoms are associated with high cholesterol, regular check-ups, and blood tests can help identify the condition proactively.
Your healthcare provider, however, can check your cholesterol levels through a blood test called alipid panel.
Cholesterol monitoring should begin at 9 years old and continue every four to six years in healthy people with no complications. Your health history will determine whether you should check your cholesterol more frequently.
Older adults and people with risk factors such as heart disease and diabetes should have their cholesterol checked more often.
Routine monitoring is essential because it detects elevated cholesterol levels, allows time for intervention and treatment if necessary, and assists healthcare providers in determining if you are at high risk for other conditions.
Role of Diet and Exercise
Pursuing a healthy, balanceddietand engaging in physical exercise are important practices that can improve your cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease.
Adding heart-healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and seafood is recommended.
Additionally, finding ways to become more active and increase physical activity will play an important role in lessening the severity of heart disease.
Side Effects and Safety
Statins are generally well tolerated.If side effects occur and you are on a high- or moderate-intensity statin, ask your healthcare provider if a lower dose can be used.
Common Side Effects
Some common side effects associated with the use of low-dose statins include:
The most common side effect associated with low-dose statin use ismuscle pain.
Severe Side Effects
Rhabdomyolysis should not be confused withmyalgia(muscle pain), a generally benign symptom that can sometimes occur with statins. If rhabdomyolysis is involved, a blood test will show increases of a substance calledcreatinine kinasein your blood.
Moreover,liverandkidney dysfunctioncan occur long-term on high statin doses.
Safety for At-Risk Populations
Statins should not be used in pregnant or nursing people. Statins are pregnancy Category X, meaning they have shown evidence of human risk in clinical trials. Statin use can cause harm and should be avoided during pregnancy as the risks of using the medication outweigh the benefits.
This warning also applies to people who are breastfeeding.
Low-dose statins are safe and approved for use in children. However, lifestyle management should typically be considered first before prescription.
Low-dose statins are safe for older people, but individual risk should be evaluated to determine if there is a benefit.
Summary
Low-dose statins are commonly used as the starting dose for people with high cholesterol. If they are able to bring your cholesterol to normal levels, you can stay at that dose. If not, the dosage can be increased to a moderate-intensity statin and then a high-intensity statin.
The aim of statin therapy is to achieve the optimal control of your cholesterol with minimal side effects. If intolerable side effects occur, the dosage may be reduced or the medication switched.
To achieve the optimal response, you need to take the drugs every day as prescribed without missing doses. Your provider should also be advised of any medications and supplements you take to avoid interactions or side effects that could otherwise undermine treatment or your ability to adhere to treatment.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLow-dose statins should be stored in a secure, dry area at room temperature (68–77 degrees F). Do not store low-dose statins in an area susceptible to high levels of heat or moisture, such as a bathroom.Finally, if applicable, keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.There is no clear evidence to support the claim that statins causememory loss. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated statin drug labels to include a warning that memory loss and confusion have been reported with statin use.In comparison, research suggests that the risk of statins causing diabetes is low and primarily associated with high-dose statins. As such, the benefits of low-dose statin therapy far outweigh the perceived risks in people with diabetes.Cholesterol levels should improve within two months of starting a statin or increasing the dose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Low-dose statins should be stored in a secure, dry area at room temperature (68–77 degrees F). Do not store low-dose statins in an area susceptible to high levels of heat or moisture, such as a bathroom.Finally, if applicable, keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
Low-dose statins should be stored in a secure, dry area at room temperature (68–77 degrees F). Do not store low-dose statins in an area susceptible to high levels of heat or moisture, such as a bathroom.
Finally, if applicable, keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
There is no clear evidence to support the claim that statins causememory loss. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated statin drug labels to include a warning that memory loss and confusion have been reported with statin use.In comparison, research suggests that the risk of statins causing diabetes is low and primarily associated with high-dose statins. As such, the benefits of low-dose statin therapy far outweigh the perceived risks in people with diabetes.
There is no clear evidence to support the claim that statins causememory loss. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated statin drug labels to include a warning that memory loss and confusion have been reported with statin use.
In comparison, research suggests that the risk of statins causing diabetes is low and primarily associated with high-dose statins. As such, the benefits of low-dose statin therapy far outweigh the perceived risks in people with diabetes.
Cholesterol levels should improve within two months of starting a statin or increasing the dose.
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