A:
Yes
. There have been several clinical studies — many of them done here at Cleveland Clinic — that show statins can reverse plaque buildup. Two statins in particular, atorvastatin, which is sold under the brand name Lipitor, and rosuvastatin, which is sold under the brand name Crestor, are the strongest statins.
Do statins prolong life?
As one of the best-studied medications in randomized clinical trials,
statins are proven to extend life
and reduce the number of heart attacks and strokes, even among individuals with normal cholesterol levels. Statins are recommended for individuals with known ASCVD.
Does Lipitor protect the heart?
Statins
can help prevent coronary artery disease and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke
. The benefit is greatest for people at high risk of heart attack and stroke. If you have a low risk of heart attack and stroke, you will get less benefit from taking a statin, so the decision may not be as clear.
Does Lipitor lower risk of heart disease?
Studies show that statins
can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke
. Statins provide the most benefit for people at high risk of heart attack and stroke.
Can you have a heart attack while taking a statin?
Although side effects believed to be caused by statins can be annoying, consider the benefits of taking a statin before you decide to stop taking your medication. Remember that
statin medications can reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke
, and the risk of life-threatening side effects from statins is very low.
Do statins make you age faster?
So, while these findings are interesting and potentially important, there’s quite a large leap from these studies of minced fat cells to the conclusion that being treated with
statins will lead a person to age prematurely
.
At what age should you stop statins?
Dr. Guy L. Mintz, director of cardiovascular health and lipidology at Northwell Health’s Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, New York, says the study reinforces that older adults shouldn’t stop taking their statin just because they reach the
“magic age” of 75
.
Why you should never take statins?
Very rarely, statins
can cause life-threatening muscle damage
called rhabdomyolysis (rab-doe-my-OL-ih-sis). Rhabdomyolysis can cause severe muscle pain, liver damage, kidney failure and death. The risk of very serious side effects is extremely low, and calculated in a few cases per million people taking statins.
What 3 foods cardiologists say to avoid?
- Sugar, Salt, Fat. Over time, high amounts of salt, sugar, saturated fat, and refined carbs raise your risk for a heart attack or stroke. …
- Bacon. …
- Red Meat. …
- Soda. …
- Baked Goods. …
- Processed Meats. …
- White Rice, Bread, and Pasta. …
- Pizza.
What does Atorvastatin do for the heart?
Atorvastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by
slowing the production of cholesterol in the body to decrease the amount of cholesterol
that may build up on the walls of the arteries and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.
Why Lipitor is bad for you?
Serious Lipitor side effects include
muscle disease called myopathy and muscle breakdown
called rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to kidney damage and kidney failure. The risk of these complications rises when patients take atorvastatin at the same time as certain antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals.
What foods should you avoid when taking Lipitor?
A: While taking atorvastatin (Lipitor), avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods as part of your overall treatment. You should avoid
large quantities of grapefruit or grapefruit juice
, which can increase the risk of serious side effects. Also, avoid excess alcohol use, as this may cause serious liver problems.
Does aspirin reduce plaque in arteries?
Now, a team led by a University of Florida Health researcher has found that
aspirin may provide little or no benefit for certain patients
who have plaque buildup in their arteries. Aspirin is effective in treating strokes and heart attacks by reducing blood clots.
What vitamins should not be taken with statins?
A
magnesium- and aluminum-containing
antacid was reported to interfere with atorvastatin absorption. People can avoid this interaction by taking atorvastatin two hours before or after any aluminum/magnesium-containing antacids. Some magnesium supplements such as magnesium hydroxide are also antacids.
Do you have to take statins for life?
You usually have to continue taking statins for life
because if you stop taking them, your cholesterol will return to a high level within a few weeks. If you forget to take your dose, do not take an extra one to make up for it.
Do statins make you put on weight?
As with many medications, statins may cause side effects, including digestive problems, muscle pain and weakness, and cognitive dysfunction. Another side effect that’s been linked to statins is
weight gain
.
