Doctors commonly prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs to help keep people healthy, particularly as they age. These medicines are meant to reduce the risk of heart problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
They usually work well and are trusted for managing cholesterol levels, but new research reveals that they might come with some unexpected effects.
There are several types of cholesterol-lowering drugs, with the most well-known being statins. You may recognize names like Lipitor or Crestor – these are popular statins.
They work by slowing down the production of cholesterol in the body. Statins have been around for a while and are the go-to medication for many people.
Another type of cholesterol-lowering drug is called PCSK9 inhibitors. These drugs work differently from statins; instead of reducing cholesterol production, they help clear out cholesterol that’s already in the body’s cells.
PCSK9 inhibitors are newer and not as widely known, but they are becoming an option for people who need additional help managing their cholesterol levels.
While these drugs are effective at controlling cholesterol, researchers have found that they might also have unexpected side effects. Let’s explore what these new findings reveal.
Possible Side Effects
For PCSK9 inhibitors, researchers are concerned about their impact on the lungs. Although these drugs are still relatively new, studies suggest that they might cause problems with lung health over the long term.
Since these drugs haven’t been around for many years, scientists are calling for more research to fully understand these effects.
Statins, on the other hand, have their own surprising side effects. Some studies have shown that people taking statins might experience weight gain and increased body fat. This could be a concern for those who are already trying to manage their weight or are at risk of other health problems.
Another potential side effect of statins is lower testosterone levels. Testosterone is a key hormone for both men and women, playing a role in many bodily functions. A drop in testosterone could lead to various health issues, depending on the individual.
However, it’s not all bad news. Interestingly, researchers also discovered that statins could lead to an increase in the size of a part of the brain called the hippocampus.
The hippocampus is essential for memory and emotions. So, a larger hippocampus might mean a reduced risk of conditions like dementia and depression, which can affect memory and mood.
How Did Scientists Find This Out?
These findings come from a study led by Kitty Pham, a Ph.D. student at the University of South Australia. Pham’s team used genetic information to explore the effects of these drugs.
Genetic data acts like a blueprint of the body, giving researchers clues about how certain medicines might impact people with different genetic backgrounds.
Pham’s team focused on this approach because it’s not always possible to run clinical trials that directly test long-term effects on people. Clinical trials can be expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes impractical for studying long-term drug impacts.
By using genetic data, researchers can predict how a medicine might affect people over time without having to rely solely on traditional clinical trials.
For example, they discovered that people with certain genetic traits were more likely to gain weight while taking statins. This method allows researchers to identify potential side effects that might not be immediately noticeable during regular drug testing.
What Should You Do?
If you’re taking cholesterol-lowering medicine, this research doesn’t mean you should stop using it. Medicines are essential tools for maintaining health, but like any tool, they need to be used correctly.
Doctors prescribe them based on a person’s individual needs, and they monitor their patients’ health to make sure everything is working as it should.
If you’re on a statin and notice changes in your weight or body fat, don’t panic. Talk to your doctor about it—they can help determine if it’s related to the medication.
Similarly, if you’re using a PCSK9 inhibitor and experience changes in your breathing, let your doctor know. It could be a sign of a potential side effect affecting your lungs.
The key takeaway from this study is that while cholesterol-lowering drugs are effective, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects.
Understanding how these medicines work in different people can help doctors make the best decisions for their patients and help individuals make informed choices about their health.
The study’s findings were published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. As more research unfolds, scientists aim to provide clearer guidance on how to balance the benefits and risks of these commonly prescribed medications.
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