Statins are a crucial lifeline for people at risk of heart disease because they can help lower cholesterol bound to low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the blood.
LDL cholesterol is a waxy substance that builds up inside the arteries, which increases the risk of blockage. Although the advantages of taking statins outweigh the disadvantages, they can interact with certain dietary choices.
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According to the NHS (England Health Authority, similar to our Ministry of Health or the ISP), people who regularly drink large amounts of alcohol are at higher risk of more serious side effects from statins.
«The doctor will also ask you how much alcohol you drink before prescribing statins,» explains the health agency.
«If you are prescribed a statin, you may still be able to drink alcohol.» However, UK health guidelines recommend drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week (2-3 units is equivalent to about a 350cc bottle of beer.)
What are the serious side effects of taking statins?
There have been concerns in the past that low-dose alcohol might increase the chance that a statin cause inflammation of the liver, but a study conducted by Harvard Health dispels these fears.
The study evaluated the question in 1,244 men who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery.
The men were randomly assigned to take low-dose or high-dose lovastatin (one of the main types of statin).
Among the 345 men who took high doses, alcohol had no effect on the risk of liver inflammationeven in the men who took more than two drinks a day on average.
Although not directly associated with alcohol consumption, rhabdomyolysis is possibly most serious side effect of taking statins.
Rhabdomyolysis is life-threatening muscle damage. «Rhabdomyolysis can cause severe muscle pain, liver damage, kidney failure, and death«, warns the Mayo Clinic.
It is worth noting that the risk of very serious side effects is extremely lowand is estimated at a few cases per million people taking statins, says the health agency.
The rare risk of side effects must also be weighed against the demonstrable benefits of taking statins.
A review of scientific studies on the effectiveness of statins found that about one in 50 people who take the drug for five years will avoid a serious event, such as a heart attack or stroke, as a result.
Nonetheless, you should discuss the benefits and risks of taking statins with your doctor before you start taking the drug, advises the NHS.
«If you find certain side effects particularly bothersome, talk to your doctor in charge of your care.»