Not all cholesterol is bad. There are two main types of cholesterol namely Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). The former is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol as it is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, whereas the latter is called "good" cholesterol as it helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it back to the liver for processing and elimination. High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. That’s when, under the thorough supervision of a doctor, statins are prescribed. To understand more about it, we spoke to two leading experts.
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Role Of Statin In Cholesterol Management
Dr Vikrant Khese, Consultant Cardiologist, Apollo Clinic, Kharadi, Pune, said, “Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By reducing the activity of this enzyme, statins effectively decrease the amount of cholesterol produced in the body.” Here are a few ways statins can benefit people with high cholesterol:
Lowering LDL cholesterol: Statins primarily target low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can accumulate in the arteries and contribute to the formation of plaque, which narrows the blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.
Increasing HDL cholesterol: Statins may also modestly increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it back to the liver for processing.
Reducing triglycerides: Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood that, when elevated, can contribute to cardiovascular disease. Statins help decrease triglyceride production by the liver.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Statins have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, independent of their lipid-lowering effects."
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Mistakes To Avoid While Taking Statins
Dr Sanjay Bhat, Sr. Consultant - Interventional Cardiology, Aster CMI Hospital, said that statins are an effective treatment for lower cholesterol and give protection against stroke and heart attack. However, one must not start or stop taking the medications on their own, he added.
Here are some common mistakes people make that you should avoid when taking statins:
- Keep sugar and alcohol intake to a minimum and get a lipid profile test on a regular basis to get a perfect picture of LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels
- Seek medical advice before stopping statins - few conditions require statins even if cholesterol is normal
- Do not avoid all forms of fats in your diet; opt for healthier fat options that are high in monounsaturated oils such as olive oil, safflower oil, nuts, almonds, walnuts, avocados, and polyunsaturated fats that have more of Omega 3 fatty acid, such as salmon, sardine, fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts (Fats help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and regulate hormones and are essential for brain health and enhance food taste.)
- Do not self-medicate and exercise for at least 30 minutes a day
Bottomline
The decision to start taking statins for cholesterol should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional. Similarly, you should consult your doctor before stopping the prescription. In addition, ensure that you make healthy lifestyle choices and adopt proper dietary habits.
(Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided by a registered medical practitioner. However, we recommend you consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment.)
