HEART MD INSTITUTE FORUM:Cardiovascular Health :Absolute Benefit of Statin Medications

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SUBJECT: Absolute Benefit of Statin Medications... 08-09-2010

NaturalMed

Joined: 08-07-2010
Posts: 12

2

I recently attended a Pharmacology seminar where the speakers presented the latest evidence on statin medications. Are statins as good as the pharmaceutical companies want us to believe?

For PRIMARY prevention statins decrease major coronary events by 1-1.5% (only in males and NO difference in overall serious adverse events). For example, if a 50 year old male non-smoker with a BP of 140/85 and a total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio of 7 takes a stain medication, his risk of cardiovascular disease goes from around 7% to 5.5-6%. If we take into consideration cost of medication per month, and any possible side effects from the drug (i.e. muscle pains, memory problems) is it beneficial to take a statin drug with this minimal risk factor decrease?

To put things in perspective quitting smoking alone can decrease cardiovascular disease risk by 9%! That is a massive drop in comparison to taking a stain medication, but unfortunately many doctors hurry to the prescription pad instead of talking to the patient about smoking cessation.

For SECONDARY prevention statins decrease major coronary events by 4%, which provides much more benefit than PRIMARY prevention. What this means is that someone who has experienced a coronary event in the past will benefit more from taking a stain than someone who has not.

I think these numbers help put things in perspective.

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SUBJECT: Re:Absolute Benefit of Statin Medications... 10-17-2010

Sandy

Joined: 10-07-2010
Posts: 6

-54

Wow that certainly does put things in perspective. Personally, I'm concerned. My husband's doctor just put him on statins... without first really trying an exercise and diet regimen. My husband is only 30, is not a smoker, and has never experienced a coronary event in the past. Like I said, I'm very concerned... especially after reading this past post. I think I'm going to discuss options with my husband and the doctor (and maybe get him a new doctor!). I hate how doctors seem to be so quick these days to reach for the prescription pad. From what I know, it seems statins should only be prescribed after all other methods have failed... right??

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SUBJECT: RE:... 10-20-2010

garyboats

Joined: 10-14-2010
Posts: 5

0

I think Statins are dangerous to use and will eventually either kill your liver or your kidneys. I would go to a doctor that doesn't say, "It's all about the numbers" and just keep your choliesterol levol under 200. You are not helping yourself with that Rx. Try other things like CoQ10 and ask Doctors like Dr. Sinatra what herbs and natural medicines to take.

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