Statins are used to control blood lipids and prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but many people only know how to take medicine and don't know how to check it. In the application of statins, regular review is a very important link. Whether the drug is useful or not and whether there are any adverse reactions can only be known by regular review.
First, it is far simpler than lowering blood fat.
Many people don't know much about statins, except that statins are a kind of hypolipidemic drugs, but in fact, the role of statins is not as simple as reducing blood lipids.
The main function of statins is to reduce the synthesis of cholesterol and the level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in blood. LDL-C is the "bad cholesterol" in human body and the primary "substance" for the formation of atherosclerosis. After the decline, it can delay or hinder the progress of atherosclerosis.
Statins can slightly increase the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in blood. HDL-C can send cholesterol in peripheral blood vessels back to the liver for decomposition, which is "good cholesterol" in human body. Statins can also slightly reduce triglycerides and prevent the aggravation of atherosclerosis.
Another major function of statins is their anti-inflammatory effect. In people with atherosclerosis, under the influence of plaque, the intima of blood vessels is in an inflammatory state, and the level of C-reactive protein (C-RP) in the body is increased. Statins can significantly reduce the level of C-RP and protect blood vessels.
The primary risk of atherosclerosis is that unstable plaque rupture will activate platelet aggregation, form thrombus, and form serious diseases such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction. Statins can improve the metabolism of arterial intima, increase the stability of plaque and make it difficult to rupture. In long-term use, it is possible to reduce the plaque volume and reverse the plaque.
Second, matters needing attention when using statins
In order to ensure the effect of statins, it is recommended to take them regularly every day. Simvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin and pravastatin are short-acting statins, which need to be taken at night to play their greatest role. Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and pitavastatin are long-acting statins, and taking them at any time will not affect their effects.
Every time the dosage of statins is doubled, the control effect on LDL-C can only be increased by 6%. In order to reduce adverse reactions, high-dose statins are not recommended. It can be used in combination with moderate dose of gallbladder enhanced absorption inhibitor (ezetimibe) or PCSK9 inhibitor (elouzumab, Allisy Youzumab).
If half a dose of statins can make LDL-C level reach the standard, then the whole statins can be disassembled.
Statins act on liver cells, so they may have an impact on liver function. Drinking alcohol is not recommended during medication to prevent liver injury. If other drugs affecting liver function are used at the same time, please consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine whether they can be used together.
Everyone has different sensitivities to different statins. If taking a statin causes abnormal liver function, you can switch to another statin under the guidance of a doctor.
Third, remember the four contents of review.
When taking statins, it is recommended to review them at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months respectively. If all the goals are stable, you can insist on reviewing them once a year.
1. Blood lipid recheck: The key target is LDL-C level, and the average person requires LDL-C to be lower than 3.4 mmol/L; Patients with chronic diseases require LDL-C below 2.6mmol/L; The requirements of patients with myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction are lower than1.8 mmol/l; The LDL-C of critically ill patients can be reduced to below 65438 0.4 mmol/L.
2, review liver function: first look at the level of transaminase (AST, ALT). If it is only slightly increased, you can continue to take the medicine if it is not higher than 3 times the normal value. If it exceeds 3 times the normal value, you need to stop taking medicine and seek medical treatment.
3. Creatine kinase abdominal examination: Statins have a small probability of forming muscle injury, causing muscle pain and fatigue. It is necessary to review the level of creatine kinase (CK). If it does not exceed 5 times the normal upper limit, you can continue to take the medicine. If it exceeds 5 times the normal upper limit, or it increases gradually, you need to stop taking the medicine and seek medical treatment.
4. Check blood sugar: Statins may affect blood sugar metabolism, leading to an increase in blood sugar, which will slightly increase the probability of new-onset diabetes. However, the increase of blood sugar is not an indication of statin withdrawal, so hypoglycemic agents can be added to control blood sugar and insist on medication. Or choose pitavastatin and pravastatin which have little effect on blood sugar.
To sum up, people who use statins should pay attention to regular review while insisting on regular medication to ensure the effectiveness of medication and prevent adverse reactions. The adjustment of drug types and doses should be carried out under the guidance of doctors, and self-adjustment of drugs is not recommended. If you have questions about medication, please consult a doctor, Yamatonokusushi. I'm Hanako, the pharmacist. Please pay attention to me and enjoy more health knowledge.
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Source: Hanzhong Veterans Affairs Bureau