Lowering cholesterol levels in the bloodstream often requires medical intervention. One commonly prescribed class of medications for this purpose is statins. These drugs are effective in addressing high cholesterol, which can arise from both dietary sources and liver production. Cholesterol plays a vital role in hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and digestion. However, excessive blood cholesterol can contribute to heart disease.
When it comes to combating high cholesterol, the initial approaches typically involve lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, and statin medications. Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver responsible for cholesterol production. By reducing the activity of this enzyme, overall cholesterol levels decrease. This reduction, in turn, helps patients mitigate the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
It is worth noting the potential implications of using statins for individuals with muscular dystrophy. Common side effects of statins include muscle pain and cramps, affecting approximately 25% of patients. Given that both myotonic dystrophy and FSHD can cause muscle pain, weakness, and cramps, it may be challenging to discern whether these symptoms are due to statin side effects or muscular dystrophy itself. In such cases, physicians often rely on blood tests measuring creatine kinase, an enzyme found in muscle tissue, to identify potential harmful effects of statins on muscles.
To gather more insights into statins, a survey was conducted among members of a registry. The survey was designed by pharmacy students and faculty at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy (WSOP) at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. Additionally, data from the National Registry was analyzed by the pharmacy team. The results revealed that 29% of DM members (276 out of 952 patients) and 24% of FSHD members (138 out of 576 patients) reported high cholesterol, both higher percentages compared to the general US population's 17%. Over 300 participants of the registry completed the pharmacy survey, with 32% indicating their current or past use of statins to lower cholesterol. Many of these individuals also reported experiencing muscle pain as a result of statin usage. The pharmacy team aims to publish their findings this year. Nevertheless, further research and information are necessary to determine the overall risks and benefits of using statins in the context of DM and FSHD.
If you are currently taking statins and suspect that your muscle pain or cramps are associated with this medication, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider. On the other hand, if there are no such concerns, it is important to continue taking the prescribed statin to reap its proven benefits in preventing heart attacks or strokes.
Apart from statins, there are alternative methods to lower cholesterol levels. Adopting a diet low in saturated fat (less than 7% of daily calorie intake) and cholesterol (less than 200 mg/day), while incorporating high-fiber foods (approximately 10-25 grams/day), can be beneficial in reducing cholesterol and minimizing the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Engaging in moderate exercise and physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week also contributes to cholesterol management. Remember, these lifestyle changes need not be sudden; any improvement in diet and physical activity can be advantageous.
In addition to statins, there are other medications considered as "second line" treatments for cholesterol reduction. Examples of such medications include cholestyramine, fenofibrate, niacin, and ezetimibe. Some over-the-counter supplements like plant sterols, recommended at a dose of 2 grams per day, may also aid in lowering cholesterol.
If you are concerned about high cholesterol or the effectiveness of your statin medication, it is vital to have a conversation with your healthcare provider. They can provide further information and guide you in determining the best treatment options suited to your needs.
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