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Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Heart Disease Part Two - The Statin Debate
Statins are a very well known and widely used drug. In fact, they are the best selling and most highly profitable prescribed drugs in history. Statins are prescribed to patients for their ability to lower cholesterol, but part two of the highly controversial ABC program Catalyst not only questions the ability of statins to lower cholesterol, but also the motivation behind the extent to which they are prescribed.
Statins work by disabling a crucial step in the pathway the body uses to naturally make its own cholesterol. As discussed in part one of this article, cholesterol is essential in the body and is an integral part of many cell functions. Cardiologists interviewed on Catalyst argue as to why we would want to inhibit the production of something the body so obviously needs. They also argue that statins not only effect the cholesterol pathway but also inhibit an enzyme that is essential in the production of co-enzyme Q10, which itself is important in heart muscle function. They believe this explains the common side effects of statins such as muscle pain and decreased energy.
These same cardiologists argue that statins may decrease the risk of a cardiovascular event but also increase the risk of other lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, and lead to problems such as muscle weakness and memory loss. Sometimes, people are prescribed statins without any education regarding improving nutrition or increasing activity levels, both of which can decrease the risk of obesity. They claim that although statins can decrease the risk of heart attack, they do not extend life expectancy. They also point out that statins are prescribed as lifelong medications, but there is yet to be any research on the lifelong side effects of their use.
Although the National Heart Foundation of Australia supports the use of statins to decrease the risk of heart disease, they agree that many people may be taking statins unnecessarily. Recent reports claim that 75% of people taking statins actually fall into the low risk category, meaning their cholesterol levels are only slightly elevated.
Trials that have been conducted show that statins are safe for the wider population, however, the ethics behind these trials are questionable. The majority of trials based on statin use are funded by the drug companies selling them. It has been reported that in some trials, participants are not randomly chosen, as they should be in a proper, randomized controlled trial. It has also been reported that many of these trials have a wash out period pre-trial, in which all of the potential participants are given the active drug and any participant showing signs of a side effect is eliminated before the trail begins.
Approximately 85% of drug trials are funded by drug companies, and of these, 87% are likely to show no negative side effects of the drug in question. Cardiologists arguing against such widespread statin use agree that this makes it difficult for doctors to make educated decisions about prescribing statins to patients. They advocate educating patients about lifestyle changes rather than prescribing lifelong medication.
Still, for anyone who has a heart conditioner or has had a myocardial infarction it is important to follow the cardiologist advice as far as medication is concerned. They are usually prescribed statins along with other medications.
Whether statins are being over prescribed or not, it seems obvious that we should be advocating lifestyle modifications before resorting to prescription use. Education is the key to health. Health professionals should be encouraging patients to quit smoking, increase exercise and manage stress levels. Dietitians are the gold standard in nutrition education. Research supports that a healthy diet and active lifestyle is the safest and most natural way to live longer.
Added to site on : Monday, 9 December 2013