Statins are considered essential medicines by the World Health Organization (WHO). They are included in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, which identifies the most important medications needed in a basic health care system. This list aims to ensure that essential medicines are available, affordable, and effective for the majority of the population. Statins are recognized for their critical role in managing high cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Here’s an explanation of the science behind statins and their role in managing cholesterol levels.
What Are Statins?
Statins are a class of drugs specifically designed to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. High cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. By reducing cholesterol levels, statins help mitigate these risks.
How Statins Work
Inhibition of HMG-CoA Reductase
Statins target an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is essential for cholesterol production in the liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, statins reduce the liver’s ability to produce cholesterol.
2. Increase in LDL Receptors
With less cholesterol being produced, the liver compensates by increasing the number of LDL receptors on its surface. These receptors remove LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) from the bloodstream, leading to lower blood cholesterol levels.
3. Reduction of Blood Cholesterol Levels
The increased number of LDL receptors results in more LDL cholesterol being cleared from the blood. This significantly lowers LDL cholesterol levels, as well as total cholesterol and triglycerides to a lesser extent.
4. Stabilization of Plaques
Statins also help stabilize plaques, which are fatty deposits within the artery walls. Stabilizing these plaques reduces inflammation and the risk of plaque rupture, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
5. Minor Effects on HDL Cholesterol
Statins can modestly increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, providing additional cardiovascular protection.
The Benefits of Statins
By lowering LDL cholesterol and stabilizing arterial plaques, statins play a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart disease. For individuals with high cholesterol or those at high risk for cardiovascular events, statins can be life-saving.
However, as with any medication, it’s important to use statins under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They can help you understand the benefits and potential side effects, ensuring that statins are the right choice for your health needs.
Take home message: Statins work by inhibiting cholesterol production in the liver, increasing the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, and stabilising arterial plaques. These actions collectively contribute to a significant reduction in the risk of heart attacks and strokes, making statins a powerful tool in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
By Dr Purity
GP & Menopause Doctor
Harvey, Western Australia, 6220
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