Heart disease remains America's leading killer. It is said that someone dies every 34 seconds of some form of cardiovascular disease. So it is easy to see why your doctor might prescribe a statin drug for you. like Lipitor or pravastatin.
According to Dr. Chauncey Crandall of Newsmax, there is a time and a place for statins. He prescribes statins as an "interventional medicine" that is, to use them temporarily while helping his patient's transition to a lifestyle that makes them unnecessary.
He sites that in the past 10 years, there has been a 27% decrease in fatal heart attacks. The improvement is due to statins. That's the good news.
However, there are reasons to be cautious with statins because of two serious side effects.
- (quote) Statins may elevate your liver enzyme functioning, which indicates some toxicity, inflammation, and cell damage to the liver. That's why your doctor will want to monitor your liver function with simple blood tests. But Dr. Crandall will tell you that liver damage from statins is rare and mostly found in those with pre-existing liver damage.
- Another main concern is muscle wasting. Quoting Dr. Crandall "Statins can cause myopathy, characterized by muscle aches and weakness, and sometimes fatigue. That's why the drug ads tell you to see your doctor if you experience any muscle weakness." More later...
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