Statins are projected to be the saviours of human race against the killer atherosclerosis .Now we have reached a stage soon , where every healthy individual may be administered this drug. There are consistent evidence for statins to reduce , retard , prevent progression of existing atheroscelorosis and possibly prevent future atherosclerosis.
This wonder drug acts by blocking the HMG COA enzyme a vital enzyme that regulates the lipid metabolism within the cells. It is made to appear as if , the God has created this enzyme with the only purpose for human suffering , by blocking this we expect all errors in lipid metabolism is corrected.
This enzyme is part of the house keeping system that is meant to service the human cellular lipid layers 24hrs a day. If it is impaired intentionally one can imagine the consequences. That’s what modern science is all about. Luckily God is kind enough the side effects of blocking this enzyme is seen only in minority. The myopathies that are classically described with statins are due to possible mitochondrial dysfunction .
As the debate still continues to find the optimal bottom levels of LDL , we have more worries , real world experiences have brought us a new issue namely the reduction of HDL with statins. While literature search on statins and HDL tell us there is marginal increase in HDL up to 10% the fact is there is marginal fall or significant fall in many of the patients .
How can this happen ? A huge difference between real world and trial world ?
* Brands shown not intentional
Readers are welcome to add their input on this question .
Reference
Dr.S.Venkatesan MD 