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Grandpa Shen is 68 years old. A few years ago, during a medical check-up at the hospital, he was diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. The doctor instructed him to take statin medication on time.
Due to this, Grandpa Shen’s hyperlipidemia has been very stable, and other minor health issues have also gradually disappeared.
However, five years ago, a neighbor told Grandpa Shen that long-term use of statins could have negative effects on the body and encouraged him to stop taking them if possible.
The neighbor suggested that lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and healthy living could improve hyperlipidemia, instead of relying solely on medication.
Grandpa Shen agreed with the neighbor’s advice but did not immediately stop taking statins. Instead, he chose to take them every other day.
After taking them continuously for some time, he found no significant changes in his body compared to before, so he thought his approach was correct.
However, last week, Grandpa Shen started experiencing adverse reactions such as chest tightness and shortness of breath, which persisted for many days. Worried, Grandpa Shen hurried to the hospital.
The doctor’s diagnosis revealed that Grandpa Shen had developed coronary heart disease, which could pose a life-threatening risk if not promptly treated.
Upon further questioning by the doctor, it was discovered that Grandpa Shen had not been following the doctor’s instructions to take statins daily, leading to the onset of coronary heart disease.
Whether coronary heart disease can be managed by taking statins every other day? Let me explain.
1. Can statins be taken every other day?
Statins are commonly used medications for treating cardiovascular diseases and helping patients with high cholesterol levels lower their cholesterol levels.
However, many patients taking statins have raised the question of whether they can be taken every other day, which has become a focal point of discussion.
In fact, this depends on the medication type, dosage, individual patient’s condition, and doctor’s guidance. Let’s delve into these aspects.
Firstly, consider the type and dosage of medication.
Statins with different properties have different regulations for duration and dosage of use. For example, long half-life drugs may allow more flexible dosing schedules.
Long half-life statins include atorvastatin and rosuvastatin.
In contrast, short half-life drugs require strict adherence to the prescribed daily dosing, such as simvastatin.
Additionally, the dosage of the medication is an essential factor as lower doses may have a milder impact on lipid levels, which influences the timing of administration.
Secondly, follow the doctor’s advice.
When taking any medication, especially statins for high cholesterol patients, it is crucial to follow the guidance provided by the doctor.
The recommendations given by the doctor are based on individual patient’s cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol levels, and the prediction of other cardiovascular disease risks.
Thirdly, adhere to medication compliance.
Our body’s functions stabilize with regular medication intake, and blood concentrations remain stable, allowing the drug to work effectively.
However, disrupting this balance, such as by taking statins every other day, may affect the drug’s efficacy in changing the body. Particularly in managing high cholesterol levels, incorrect dosing and timing may impact long-term efficacy and the risk of cardiovascular disease recurrence.
Fourth, consider the potential side effects of the medication.
Some patients taking statins for an extended period may experience muscle soreness or other side effects, prompting them to alter the dosage and timing of their medication.
This approach can be acceptable in such cases to ensure one is not overwhelmed by the side effects of the drug. However, it is imperative to consult with a physician on whether changing the medication’s dosage or timing is appropriate and how to proceed with any alterations for optimal safety and efficacy.
Fifth, individual variations play a role.
Everyone’s body and response to statins vary, so the choice of administration mode, timing, and dosage may differ accordingly.
For example, some individuals may not need to take statins daily to maintain optimal cholesterol levels, while others may require daily intake for the best outcomes. Individualized treatment is essential and feasible.
Sixth, decisions based on daily monitoring and adjustments.
When patients feel their cholesterol levels have returned to normal levels, they may consider altering the timing and mode of administration of the medication.
However, before making such changes, it is crucial to ensure that the cholesterol levels have truly improved due to medication rather than a temporary relief. Therefore, during this transition, regular lipid testing is essential to confirm normal cholesterol levels and allow for lifestyle improvements as per the doctor’s recommendations.
In conclusion, altering statin dosage and timing should be based on individual circumstances and medical advice. Self-alteration of timing or dosage is not recommended. Proper medication guidance and regular monitoring are key to ensuring safe medication use.
2. Four considerations when taking statins
For patients on long-term statin therapy, it is important to pay attention to four aspects of these medications.
Firstly, consider discontinuing the medication.
If you believe your cholesterol levels have only modestly increased and have significantly improved after taking statin medications, and cholesterol levels have returned to normal, you may consider discontinuing the medication.
However, during this period, it is crucial to monitor whether cholesterol levels rise again. The advice given is to undergo a recheck at the hospital after 3 to 6 months. If the recheck shows that cholesterol levels are stable, you may discontinue statin medication. Otherwise, if cholesterol levels rise again, you may need to continue long-term statin therapy, which could indicate metabolic issues.
However, the above method may not be suitable for patients with other conditions, including unstable angina, heart attack, ischemic strokes, and atherosclerosis heart disease.
For such individuals, even if cholesterol levels stabilize after taking statins, medication should not be discontinued.
Secondly, pay attention to adverse reactions after taking the medication.
After taking statins, the body may experience various uncomfortable symptoms such as dry mouth, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. While these are normal symptoms and not a cause for concern, adverse effects like elevated transaminases and muscle weakness after taking statins should prompt immediate medical attention.
It is essential to regularly monitor transaminase and creatine kinase levels while taking statins.
Experts recommend periodic checks at 1-2 months, 6 months, and 1 year after starting the medication and then annually thereafter. Regular monitoring helps understand any adverse reactions and maintain safe and healthy medication use.
Thirdly, consider drug interactions.
Drugs have complex relationships, with some enhancing each other’s effects and some resulting in significant adverse effects. This is especially true for elderly individuals, whose lowered immunity can amplify reactions to drug interactions.
Moreover, elderly individuals often take multiple medications, increasing the chances of interaction issues. Therefore, those taking statins should be cautious as they might interact unfavorably with specific medications like warfarin, digoxin, and beta-lowering drugs. Before combining these medications, consult with a doctor.
Fourthly, be cautious when consuming grapefruit.
The active ingredients in grapefruit can inhibit the enzyme responsible for metabolizing statin drugs, resulting in a slower breakdown and metabolism of the drug, leading to elevated blood drug concentrations. This can lead to adverse drug reactions, necessitating caution when taking statins alongside grapefruit.
3. How to prevent hyperlipidemia
Firstly, maintain regular exercise.
Regular physical activity can increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as “good cholesterol,” which plays a crucial role in the body. Adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Activities like brisk walking, swimming, and jogging can help boost immunity, promote metabolism, increase muscle mass, and facilitate fat burning.
Secondly, maintain healthy eating habits.
We often consume processed or frozen foods in our daily lives, which can have adverse effects on the body. Reduce intake of saturated and trans fats and instead focus on a balanced intake of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Lastly, quitting smoking and drinking is essential.
Smoking and alcohol consumption increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, reduce HDL levels, and accelerate atherosclerosis. Quitting smoking and drinking helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, lowers cholesterol levels, and maintains healthy blood lipids.
Conclusion
From the article, we can understand that altering the dosing and timing of statin medications requires consultation with a doctor. It is not advisable to arbitrarily change the timing or dosage, and following medical advice is vital. Any adverse reactions to medication should be reported to the doctor promptly. Stay tuned to any signs of adverse reactions to the medications taken.
Reference sources:
“Grandpa Shen takes statins every other day for 5 years, what are the results? I’ll tell you the truth”
Date: May 28, 2024, Wonderful Botanicals
Reference sources:
“Grandpa Shen takes statins every other day for 5 years, what are the results? I’ll tell you the truth”
Date: May 28, 2024, Wonderful Botanicals
