Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs. They may lower cholesterol, but they do not address the underlying cause of high cholesterol. Studies show that the root cause of heart attacks and strokes is inflammation, not high cholesterol. Yet, about 1 out of every 4 Americans over 40 takes a statin to protect heart health. Additionally, the number of Americans taking statins has increased by almost 80% in the last 2 decades.
It can be easy to get sidetracked by widely known causes—such as high cholesterol—and ignore other possible causes. Unfortunately, many doctors tend to oversimplify problems and prescribe medication too quickly. With all the misinformation out there about heart disease and cholesterol, let’s look at some of the facts surrounding them:
- 75% of people who have heart attacks have normal cholesterol.
- Those who are older with high cholesterol have a lower risk of death than those who have low cholesterol.
- There are populations in other countries that have higher cholesterol levels than Americans, but less heart disease.
- Studies show that sugar is the bigger cause of most heart attacks.
Besides the misinformation surrounding statins, taking this drug also puts you under risk for side effects. Statins can cause muscle weakness, wasting, difficulty sleeping, headaches, and dizziness. If your doctor suggests taking statins, you may want to do some extra research and weigh your options. There will be times when prescription drugs are necessary, but that depends on underlying causes and their severity.
If you feel like you need to address the cause of your high cholesterol, contact our office today and see how you can improve your well-being!
