OrganizedWisdom Health - Heart, Blood and Circulation

Statins and Muscle Damage

AmyS — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:21:18 GMT

A July 2009 study shows that patients who have muscle complaints while taking statins may have structural muscle damage. It is common for someone on statins to develop muscle pain and weakness. Muscle biopsies from 83 patients was analyzed for this study.

Fast Facts:

Statins are used around the world to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Muscle fiber damage was seen in approximately 57% of patients taking statins.
This study is published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

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Statins for Children

Jillian884 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:19:04 GMT

Statins are a powerful class of cholesterol-lowering medications and there are many conflicting reports on whether or not they should be prescribed to children. Some doctors and cardiologists believe that children who are at greatest risk should take statins when dietary and lifestyle changes have failed to lower cholesterol levels. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children as young as eight can take statin drugs to prevent future heart problems. Pediatricians may prescribe statins for kids who have too much LDL ("bad" cholesterol), along with other high risks, such as: obesity, high blood pressure, or family history of heart disease. A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control has found that approximately .8% of teens aged 12 to 17 are candidates for statin drugs to deal with high levels of LDL. Statins have not been thoroughly tested in children and the long-term effects are unknown, therefore, it is recommend that you try to lower cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and any natural statin alternatives your doctor suggests prior to starting the drug regimen.

Fast Facts:

Avoiding fast food, soda, caffeine, juice, refined sugar, and white flour can help kids lower cholesterol levels.
A study published in the American Heart Association’s journal shows that of 25 million kids in the age group, approximately 200,000 teens are in danger of developing early heart problems and may benefit from statins.
It is now recommended that pediatricians test cholesterol levels in children as young as 2.
Only in recent years with childhood obesity on the rise has high cholesterol been a cause for concern in children.

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High Cholesterol and Plaque Buildup

Robbin364 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:09:15 GMT

If your levels of cholesterol are too high, LDLs (low denisty lipoproteins or "bad" cholesterol) will leave extra cholesterol in the blood which leads to the formation of artery-blocking plaque. When the HDLs (high density lipoproteins or "good" cholersterol) cannot pick up all of the extra cholesterol, it remains on your artery walls, along with other fats. Over time, this residue, or plaque, can narrow and even block the blood vessels completely. Plaque buildup on your blood vessel walls is called atherosclerosis.

Fast Facts:

Either high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol may lead to the buildup of cholesterol (plaque) in artery walls.
Plaque hardens and narrows arteries and reduces blood flow to body tissue, including the heart.
Plaque buildup, when it affects arteries that supply blood to the brain, may lead to a stroke.
Large plaque areas can lead to chest pain called angina.
Another name for atherosclerosis is "hardening of the arteries."

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Portal Hypertension Medications

KenyottaE — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:07:57 GMT

Nonselective beta blockers are among the medications prescribed for portal hypertension. Your doctor may also recommend nitrates as a first line of treatment after your initial diagnosis. These drugs can be used alone or in combination with endoscopic therapy.

Fast Facts:

Portal hypertension is increased pressure in the liver's portal vein.
Your doctor may also prescribe Lactulose to treat mental changes that result from encephalopathy. Encephalopathy is a condition that can be caused by portal hypertension.
Symptoms of portal hypertension include vomiting blood and bloody stools.

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High Blood Pressure Triggers

Mindy6197 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:02:06 GMT

There are many lifestyle factors which can trigger high blood pressure (hypertension). Some common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, stress, obesity, smoking, and exposure to certain heavy metals. Also according to recent studies, certain viral infections such as cytomegalovirus may trigger high blood pressure. Fast Facts:

Nearly thirty percent of adults living in the United States suffer from high blood pressure.
Certain medications such as birth control pills, over-the-counter pain medications, and decongestants can also lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Cocaine and amphetamines are also known to trigger high blood pressure.

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Saturated Fat

CatherIN — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:59:48 GMT

Saturated fat is the main dietary factor that can cause high cholesterol. It is found in foods that come from animals and some plants. Total calories from saturated fat should be kept between seven and ten percent.

Fast Facts:

Coconut, coconut oil, cocoa butter, palm oil, and palm kernel oil are examples of plant sources of saturated fat.
Animal sources of saturated fat include beef, veal, lamb, pork, lard, poultry fat, butter, cream, milk, cheeses, and other dairy products made from whole and two percent milk.
Typically, saturated fat is solid when at room temperature.

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Statins and Libido

Amymarlatt — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:59:16 GMT

The use of statins may lower your libido. In the list of statin drug side effects, erectile dysfnction is not listed. However researchers are looking into the link between ED and statin drugs. In a Dutch study, patients were shown to have lower levels of testosterone, a hormone statins are known to decrease. When statin drugs were stopped, problems with libido subsided. Talk to your doctor about your problems with your libido. Remember to ask your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medications.

Fast Facts:

Statin drugs used in one's teens may lead to later development of sexual maturation.
Doctors believe the benefits of statin drugs far outweigh the side effects.
There are many other causes of lowered libido such as age, illness, chronic pain, and other medications.

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Oretic Uses

Crdelucas — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:58:52 GMT

Oretic is prescribed for controlling high blood pressure and treating edema. It is classified as a diuretic (water pill) and is generally take once daily. Oretic decreases blood volume and pressure by increasing the amount of salt and water removed from the blood. Diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, and blurred vision are common side effects of Oretic.

Fast Facts:

Oretic is a brand name of the generic drug hydrochlorothiazide.
This medication has not been approved for use in children.
Oretic treats water retention caused by congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, renal failure, and medications.
Also prescribed to treat symptoms of diabetes insipidus and hypercalciuria.

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Toprol Uses

Crdelucas — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:57:42 GMT

Toprol is prescribed for the treatment of symptoms associated with hypertension, angina, and congestive heart failure. Classified as a beta blocker, Toprol blocks the action of chemicals that affect the heart and blood vessels lowering heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart. Vomiting, reduced libido, impotence, insomnia, fatigue, and anxiety are common side effects of Toprol.

Fast Facts:

Toprol is a brand name for the generic drug metoprolol.
This medication has also shown effectiveness in treating migraines, anxiety, arrhythmia, hyperthyroidism, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Lifestyle changes to include diet, exercise, and weight control should be used in combination with Toprol.

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Statins and Cholesterol

Crdelucas — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:55:59 GMT

Statins are classified as a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and prescribed for cholesterol treatment. They are cholesterol-lowering medications that may reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease. Cholesterol is important in building new cells, insulating nerves, and producing hormones.

Fast Facts:

Statins are prescribed in combination with healthy diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and weight loss for treating high cholesterol.
Statin therapy for cholesterol may be a life-long commitment. Consult a health care professional prior to discontinuing statin medication.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both genders in the United States.
A four year study showed benefits of statin therapy with individuals without cardiovascular disease. Approximately thirty percent had fewer heart attacks and twenty percent had fewer strokes.

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