| Cholesterol-lowering drug use does not meet guidelines January 08, 2001 NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Overuse and under use of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins may be widespread, risking side effects in some people and failing to stop heart disease in others, researchers report. Fewer than one in three people taking the drugs to prevent heart disease met National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines for who should take the drugs, the study authors write. Depending on the specific statin, side effects may include hepatitis, jaundice, other liver problems, gastrointestinal upsets, and a variety of blood complications such as reduced platelet levels and anemia. Periodic testing to monitor liver function should be performed. Unfortunately many people assume that all they have to do is take Lipitor or some other cholesterol-lowering drug to prevent heart disease. Other risk factors of heart disease are: High Blood Pressure Obesity Smoking Diabetes Poor Diet Lack of Antioxidants Failure to consume 5 to 7 servings of fresh fruits and Vegetables Increased consumption of processed and fast foods Excess consumption of saturated fats and carbohydrates Lack of Exercise combined with excess stress in our lifestyles. |
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