Statins Danger

Statins are drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol. They, like most prescription drugs, come with some potential side effects. Increased dangers of statin use have begun to be noticed and documented, leading to more in-depth study of the drugs.

Cognitive Difficulties

Confusion, inability to concentrate and memory loss have been shown in patients taking statins, an issue that is being more closely examined by researchers such as Dr. Beatrice Golomb, who is reviewing previous studies with funding from the U.S. government.

Heart Failure

Statins block the development of an enzyme known as Co-Qu10, which gives energy to muscles, of which the heart is one, leading to a decrease in its effectiveness in pumping blood.

Rhabdomyolysis

One of the most serious dangers of statins is Rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown in skeletal muscle tissue, which can lead to the excretion of toxins into the body.

Increased Risk of Polyneuropathy

According to a 2002 European study, statins have been shown to increase the likelihood of developing the neurological disorder polyneuropathy, which leads to overall weakness, difficulty walking and pain in the hands and feet.

Gastrointestinal Difficulties

The most common side effect of statin use, as with most other prescription drugs, involves gastrointestinal disruptions, such as gas, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and constipation.

References

• Weston A. Price Foundation
• CBS News Story
• Neurology.org On Statins & Polyneuropathy Risk Study