Statins and Side Effects

Question 1

Statin

Answer 1

Drugs that inhibit LDL-C production by occupying a binding site on the enzyme HMG-CoA Reductase

Upregulates hepatic LDL receptors and enhances clearance of LDL-C from blood

Question 2

Recommended total cholesterol level; LDL and ratio of total to HDL

Answer 2

Helathy Adults should have a Total below 5mmol/L

Recommended LDL <1mmol/L

Total:HDL Ratio <4

Question 3

Arteriosclerosis

Answer 3

Increased stiffness of vasculature as natural process of aging

Question 4

Benefit of lowering LDL-C

Answer 4

LDL-C is linked to atherosclerosis; build up of plaque as LDL-C gets laid down within plaque structure

Question 5

Stent

Answer 5

Small mesh tubes that open up passages in the body

Question 6

Describe the implantation of a coronary angioplasty

Answer 6

A catheter is passed into an artery through the groin or arm up to the heart where there are high amounts of fatty deposits. The tiny balloon on the tip of the catheter is gently inflated to squash the fatty arterial tissue; the stent (metal mesh tube) that surrounds the balloon expands along with it

The catheter is then removed, leaving the stent to expand the narrowed blood vessel

Question 7

Main complication of stenting

Answer 7

Bruising where the catheter was inserted at the wrist or groin

Question 8

What medication is taken after an angioplasty and for how long

Answer 8

Aspirin/Blood Thinners for a few months to a year

Question 9

Why are statins used as a primary prevention

Answer 9

Because statins are much cheaper than the use of angioplasties for at risk patients

Question 10

At what ages are the majority of men and majority of women advised to take statins

Answer 10

Men over 50

Women over 60

Question 11

One side effect of statins

Answer 11

Muscle Pain