Are You Cholesterol-high? If You Actually Need A Statin, A Quick Test Will Tell You!
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in the cells of the body. Having high cholesterol affects your health badly. If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it may lead you to heart diseases like heart attack and stroke.
Normally the body needs an adequate amount of cholesterol for the smooth functioning of organs. it creates hormones and vitamin D for maintaining the body properly. Cholesterol is not entirely bad for your health. When it becomes too high, it increases the risk factors of your life.
Cholesterol is mainly categorized into two types. Low-density lipoprotein and High-density lipoprotein are the two types of cholesterol in your blood. LDL cholesterol is the ‘bad cholesterol that harms your health.
If you have a high level of LDL cholesterol in your blood, it raises risk factors. On the other hand, High -density lipoprotein is also known as ‘good cholesterol.
Can Statins Manage Cholesterol?
As the description suggests, high levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for health problems. It also acts as a purifier, it absorbs the cholesterol in the blood.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe statins along with other medications. If you have high-risk factors like you have had a heart attack in the past, a statin can be helpful in such situations even if you don’t have high cholesterol.
Statins are a type of drug that helps to manage cholesterol. It reduces illness and mortality for those who are suffering from cardiovascular disease.
Statins play a vital role in preventing high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Therefore it is widely used for primary prevention in people who have a high risk of heart disease.
Heart diseases are increasing year by year. Around 7 million people are living with heart disease in the UK. The major cause of this disease is a careless lifestyle and a lack of managing cholesterol.
To fight against this condition, statins are used in treatment. But recent reviews show the side effects of statins. They said that statins do more harm than good. It can be used as primary prevention, but it also affects negatively.
In the British journal of sports medicine, Australian science reporter Maryanne Demasi said that doctors prescribe statins to patients for temporary relief from the higher level of LDL cholesterol.
But they are not fully aware of the true benefits and harmful sides of these drugs. She also added that raw data on the effectiveness and safety of these drugs didn’t reveal yet and kept secret. The research does not come under scrutiny for proving the harmful effects.
The prescription of statins is increasing in the UK. The drugs are mostly prescribed for senior citizens. A coronary artery calcium test decides whether the patient should be put on statins or not.
If the test shows a high level of LDL, the patient may have a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Here comes the role of statins. Doctors prescribe statins to lowering Low- the density of lipoprotein in the blood. Statins work along with other medications to lower cholesterol.
According to heart expert Gregory Salber, MD who is working at the St. Vincent’s Medical Center said that the test is fast and easy to diagnose the heart attack risk. The test shows the calcium deposits in your coronary arteries.
Some of the key facts about this method, it is considered to be the most advanced method and less time-consuming. The results will arrive within 30 minutes. The coronary artery Calcium test is safe and it uses less radiation when compared to other methods.
But the test score can not only define the risk of heart disease. It may change according to their age, sex, and health condition. Dr. Salber said that, if the CAC score is 0, the person is at low risk of a heart attack in the next five years.
They don’t need to take statins. On the other hand, if you have heart disease or high levels of cholesterol, consult a doctor and talk about your calcium scoring. It will help save your life.
