Statin medications are prescription-grade medications, which are used to enable individuals to lower their LDL, or “bad” cholesterol levels. The ones we often see advertised on TV and in magazines include Lipitor, Pravachol, Zocor and Mevacor. These drugs are not just prescribed for those individuals who actually have high cholesterol levels; they are also often prescribed as a preventative.

Statins are actually HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, and they are a class of hypolipidemic drugs, which are used to lower cholesterol levels in order to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. They lower cholesterol by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that is used by the liver to produce cholesterol. This mechanism of action stimulates LDL receptors, so that they increase the clearance of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, from the bloodstream, which in turn decreases blood cholesterol levels. However, it is said Statins do not have a big effect on raising HDL, or “good” cholesterol levels, which are needed by the body. Some people see results after using Statins for one week, but it is said they reach their maximum potential in 4-6 weeks.

Statins may vary in cost, but they are not cheap. People who use these drugs may spend anywhere from $32 to $150 a month, depending upon their insurance plan – if they have one. Also, using Statins is not a short-term or quick fix for high cholesterol levels; most individuals who start taking them will continue to do so for years, unless they experience side effects.

As with most pharmaceutical-grade medications, statins may have some intense side effects, which may include dizziness, nausea and jaundice. Also, irreversible muscular atrophy is reported to be an issue with the use of these medications. Some individuals who have this condition often lose their muscle strength, which may never come back.

Some people feel that by taking these medications, they are trading one problem for another, and for this reason, many have investigated holistic supplements. For instance, Plant Sterols have been used successfully to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol, while also boosting the levels of good cholesterol, which, as noted above, Statins may only do to a small degree. Plant Sterols may do this because their chemical composition is very close to cholesterol, so they mimic it in the intestines, allowing them to be absorbed, while the cholesterol is flushed out of the body. Some studies have suggested that they may reduce cholesterol levels by 20-40%, depending upon the quantity used.

• May reduce “bad” cholesterol levels

• May only have a minor effect on an individual’s levels of “good” cholesterol
• May come with many side effects for some people
• May be expensive

In general, many individuals have found Statins to be a viable way to lower cholesterol levels, and reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke. However, Statins are said to possibly have many side effects, and high dosages of Statins have been shown to present a greater risk of instigating muscle and liver problems.

Some people are unwilling to put their quality of life on hold, or risk these kinds of possible side effects as a remedy or as a preventative, and they have found that the holistic market has some viable options. In fact, some of the results achieved with holistic supplements, such as Plant Sterols, have been shown to rival those achieved with Statins.