In modern society, with the acceleration of the pace of life and the change of dietary habits, hyperlipidemia has become an invisible killer of many people's health. In the face of this problem, statins are like a heroic knight, stepping forward and becoming a savior of lipid reduction. However, every knight has their own weaknesses, and statins are no exception.
Some people say that taking statins inappropriately will cause kidney failure, is this true? Today, let's take a look at the truth behind this, and at the same time, doctors also remind everyone that when taking statins, there are 3 types of foods that must be avoided.
1. Statins and lipid management
"High blood lipids" has become a common and frequent disease of modern people. According to statistics, about a quarter of adults in mainland China are troubled by dyslipidemia, which is not only a hidden danger to personal health, but also directly related to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.
The advent of statins has undoubtedly brought a turning point to this problem. They effectively control blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the activity of HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, thereby reducing endogenous cholesterol synthesis.
Statins are not a panacea, and while they help us fight dyslipidemia, they can also cause some adverse effects. People who take statins for a long time sometimes experience muscle pain, abnormal liver function, and even kidney damage.
These side effects are not common, but their presence is a reminder to be vigilant about the possible risks when enjoying the benefits of statins.
2. Potential side effects of statins
Long-term use of statins, especially if you don't pay attention to your eating habits, can lead to a range of problems, and kidney damage is one of them. In clinical observation, some patients have symptoms of general weakness, muscle aches, fatigue, and even abnormal urination.
Blood tests showed that in addition to the abnormal increase in LDL-C, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, serum creatinine, urine protein and other indicators were also abnormal, which may be a sign of impaired liver and kidney function.
These symptoms and test results are undoubtedly a wake-up call for patients who need to take statins for a long time. When enjoying the lipid-lowering benefits brought by statins, we must pay more attention to our liver and kidney health, communicate with doctors in a timely manner, and do regular check-ups, so that we can intervene as soon as possible when problems arise and avoid deterioration of the condition.
3. Food-statin interactions
When we refer to the relationship between medicine and food, the concept of "medicine and food are homologous" often comes to mind, but in the world of statins, this relationship may not be so harmonious.
Some food ingredients, especially specific chemicals in citrus fruits, can affect the rate at which drugs are metabolized, which in turn can affect blood levels and efficacy.
For example, grapefruit contains a compound called furanocoumarin, which inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), an important enzyme in the liver.
This enzyme is responsible for breaking down several drugs, including statins. When it is suppressed, it may lead to an increase in the concentration of statins in the body, increasing the risk of myalgia and even kidney damage.
In addition, the interaction between drugs and food also involves multiple links such as drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. For example, high-fat foods may increase the absorption of certain statins, which may sound like good news, but may actually cause the drug to be concentrated in the body too high, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects.
Therefore, patients need to make appropriate adjustments to their diet while taking statins to ensure that the medication works best while reducing the risk of side effects.
4. Three types of foods to avoid
First and foremost are citrus fruits, especially grapefruit.
Grapefruit and its juice contain high amounts of furanocoumarin, which can significantly affect the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes, and it has been shown that grapefruit juice can increase the concentration of statins in the blood, thereby increasing the risk of muscle toxicity.
The second category is red yeast rice. Red yeast rice is a traditional Chinese food that contains a substance called tannins, which is similar in structure to statins and inhibits cholesterol synthesis.
It may sound like a good partner, but in reality, when red yeast rice is taken with statins, it can cause the liver to be overburdened, increasing the risk of liver damage.
Finally, high-fat and high-cholesterol foods should also be avoided. Although the main effect of statins is to lower cholesterol in the blood, if the intake of cholesterol in the diet is too high, it can negate the effect of the drug and may even bring more side effects due to the increase in the dose of the drug.
5. Synergistic effects of statins and lifestyle
In the doctor's practice, the use of statins is not an isolated treatment, but is closely linked to the patient's overall lifestyle.
Lifestyle modifications, such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet, can not only improve the effectiveness of statins, but also reduce the side effects caused by the drug.
Physical activity strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood circulation, and promotes cholesterol metabolism. However, it is important to note that strenuous exercise may increase the risk of muscle damage, especially if taking statins.
Therefore, doctors recommend that patients choose moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, and gradually increase the amount of exercise according to their fitness level.
In terms of diet, patients should increase their intake of fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
At the same time, the intake of saturated and trans fats, which are found in some baked goods and processed meats, can raise blood LDL cholesterol levels and is detrimental to cardiovascular health.
6. Individualization of statin therapy
When treating hyperlipidemia, doctors usually depend on the patient's specific situation, including age, gender, blood lipid levels, and the presence of other chronic diseases.
To develop an individualized treatment plan, the choice of statin dose and type also needs to be adjusted according to the patient's liver and kidney function and response to the drug.
It is worth mentioning that genetic factors also play an important role in the response to statin therapy. Some patients may have a weak ability to metabolize certain statins due to genetic reasons, which requires doctors to predict the patient's response to drugs through genetic testing and other means, so as to choose more suitable drugs and doses.
7. Monitoring and management: safety of statin therapy
Although the effectiveness of statins in reducing cardiovascular risk is widely recognized, patient monitoring and management remain indispensable during treatment.
After starting a statin, patients should have regular blood tests, including liver function tests and creatine kinase (CK) levels, to assess the safety and effectiveness of the drugs.
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they develop uncomfortable symptoms, such as muscle pain or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or fatigue. Myalgia can be a sign of myositis, which, in rare cases, can progress to severe myolysis, an emergency condition that can lead to kidney failure.
summary
Statin use is a process that requires a combination of factors. Doctors and patients need to work together to pay close attention to the effects and potential risks of drug treatment, and ensure the best results and the highest safety of treatment through reasonable lifestyle modifications and strict individualized treatment plans.
In this process, the professional guidance of the doctor and the active cooperation of the patient are the key to achieving the treatment goals.