What can you do instead of taking statins?

The side effects of statins include diarrhoea and constipation, although no pathophysiological explanation is provided by the manufacturer.Feb 28, 2012

Is it any wonder that excess weight can make pain worse? Statin myopathy – Have you been taking a statin medication to control your cholesterol and felt that you legs hurt more? This could lead to Fibromyalgia.Apr 8, 2019

In the analysis of 135 previous studies, which included nearly 250,000 people combined, researchers found that the drugs simvastatin (Zocor) and pravastatin (Pravachol) had the fewest side effects in this class of medications.Jul 9, 2013

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common side effect of statins is muscle and joint aches and pains. The medication can also cause nausea and vomiting. More serious side effects include liver and kidney damage, an increase in blood sugar, and neurological side effects.

It's possible for some people to stop taking statins safely, but it can be especially risky for others. For instance, if you have a history of heart attack or stroke, it's not recommended that you stop taking these drugs. This is because you're more likely to have another such problem when you discontinue statins.

While the definition of the optimal LDL level remains in place, doctors are no longer encouraged to prescribe statins based solely on reaching the target level. Now, experts advise that people remain on statins as long as they fall into a high-risk group, with no need for repeated blood tests.Oct 20, 2018

Natural Alternatives to Statins: Foods That Help Lower Cholesterol

• Foods high in soluble fiber and plant phytosterols, such as legumes, avocados, broccoli and other fruits and vegetables.
• Whole grains, including oatmeal, quinoa and barley.

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.Jun 4, 2020

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.

Doses of 20 mg/d lovastatin or pravastatin or 10 mg/d simvastatin generally reduce plasma LDL cholesterol levels by about 20% to 30%. Higher doses of these drugs can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 40%.May 1, 1995

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.Aug 5, 2019

NHS recommendations state millions of people who have not suffered a heart attack or stroke should take statins as a preventative measure. However, experts writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) said the drugs could do more harm than good, and offer a tiny benefit for those people at low risk.Oct 17, 2019

Statins help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, in the blood. They draw cholesterol out of plaque and stabilize plaque, Blaha says.

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.Sep 28, 2015

The most important thing your doctor will keep in mind when thinking about statin treatment is your long-term risk of a heart attack or stroke. If your risk is very low, you probably won't need a statin, unless your LDL is above 190 mg/dL (4.92 mmol/L).