Statins Proven Dangerous In 900 Studies

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Judging from our readers’ comments on this topic it is clearly a contentious issue, which provokes mixed opinions and feelings. This is understandable because, for many, statins have changed the state of their health whether it was for better or worse.

Now, a paper co-authored by Dr. Beatrice Golomb, associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and director of UC San Diego's Statin Study group cites nearly 900 studies on the adverse effects of statins.

The result is a review paper, published in the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs, that provides the most complete picture to date of reported side effects of statins, showing the state of evidence for each. The paper also helps explain why certain individuals have an increased risk for such adverse effects above others.

In a previous alert last year I explained that statin drugs have two primary effects on the human body.

1. Inhibition of the mevalonate metabolic pathway which thereby inhibits cholesterol production.

2. Nuclear factor kappa B inhibition (NF-kB inhibition), meaning it exerts a powerful anti-inflammatory action thought to be the reason for its cardiovascular benefits.

Good as it sounds there is much more than meets the eye:

One of the biggest problems with statin drugs is that it also inhibits C0Q10 production which can have the following adverse effects: congestive heart failure and chronic fatigue (energy production), hepatitis, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis and neuropathy (loss of cell wall integrity).

Dr. Beatrice Golomb and her colleagues also summarize powerful evidence that statin-induced injury to the function of the body's energy-producing cells, called mitochondria, underlies many of the adverse effects that occur to patients taking statin drugs.

Mitochondria produce most of the free radicals in the body, which antioxidants such as CoQ10 protect against. When mitochondrial function is impaired, the body produces less energy and more free radicals. CoQ10 is an important compound in the process of making energy within mitochondria and suppressing free radicals. However, statins lower CoQ10 levels because they work by blocking the pathway involved in cholesterol production – the same pathway by which CoQ10 is produced. Statins also reduce the blood cholesterol that transports CoQ10 and other fat-soluble antioxidants.

"The loss of CoQ10 leads to loss of cell energy and increased free radicals which, in turn, can further damage mitochondrial DNA," said Dr. Golomb. She further explains that the loss of CoQ10 may lead to a greater likelihood of adverse side effects arising from statins in patients with existing mitochondrial damage – since these people especially rely on ample CoQ10 to help avoid this damage. Because statins may cause more mitochondrial problems over time – and as these energy powerhouses tend to weaken with age - new adverse effects can also develop the longer a patient takes statin drugs.

Dr. Golomb explains that muscle problems (Rhabdomyolysis - the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue due to injury to muscle tissue) are the most common side effect from statin drugs use. Cognitive problems and peripheral neuropathy (disorders of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system) are also widely reported.

A spectrum of other problems, ranging from blood sugar elevations to tendon problems, can also occur.

In a previous alert, we also listed the following side effects that may occur with the chronic use of statin drugs:

• Neurological side effects: Amnesia, confusion, forgetfulness, and disorientation, increase of any pre-existing senility and persistent loss of short-term memory
• Muscle pain: You may feel this pain as a soreness, tiredness or weakness in your muscles. The pain can be a mild discomfort, or it can be severe enough to make your daily activities difficult. You may also develop joint pain, muscle ache and fatigue.
• Liver Damage: Statin use could cause your liver to increase its production of enzymes. If left unchecked, increased liver enzymes may lead to permanent liver damage. Liver problems may develop without symptoms which is why people who take statins should have their liver function tested about six weeks after they start taking a statin.
• Digestive Problems: Nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or constipation can occur after taking a statin.
• Rash or flushing: You can develop a rash or flushing after you start taking a statin and these may occur sporadically.

• Migraines and headaches: If you are prone to either you may find that statin use will trigger your headaches and migraines more often and they can become more severe. Dizziness and flu-like symptoms are also common side-effects.

The paper also cites clear evidence that higher statin doses or stronger and more powerful statins, as well as certain genetic conditions, are linked to greater risk of developing side effects.

Of this Dr. Golomb said: "Physician awareness of such side effects is reportedly low. Being vigilant for adverse effects in their patients is necessary in order for doctors to provide informed treatment decisions and improved patient care."

Finally Dr. Golomb explains that the risk of adverse effects is much higher in older patients and it also explain why statins' benefits have not been found to exceed their risks in those over 70 or 75 years old. High blood pressure and diabetes are linked to higher rates of mitochondrial problems, so these conditions are also clearly linked to a higher risk of statin complications, according to Dr. Golomb.

Wit a review like this it looks as if things are moving in the right direction. If you are using statin drugs and you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned it is important to speak to your doctor.

For further reading on related topics, please follow the links below:

Crestor : The Super Strong Statin Drug

Statins: Safe and natural alternatives to cholesterol drugs

The Best Way to Administer CoQ10

Sugar Cane Extract As An Alternative To Statins