People who use atorvastatin to lower lipids should pay attention! Keep in mind 3 details when taking it, it will hurt your body if you use it wrongly
Leeber, who is 70 years old this year, has recently noticed that his chest is always stuffy when he walks, and he is even more out of breath when he climbs stairs. During a recent physical examination, the doctor told him that his blood lipids were a little high and he had to take atorvastatin to control it.
Li Boke is an obedient person, in the first few days, he took his medicine on time every day, and he didn't dare to be sloppy. But after a long time, he began to mumble in his heart: "Will there be any side effects if I take this medicine for a long time?"
Seeing that he had a sad face all day long, his wife asked him, "Lao Li, what's wrong with you lately? Why do you always look preoccupied?"
Li Bo sighed and expressed his worries: "I'm just afraid that taking too much of this medicine will not be good for my health." ”
After hearing this, my wife patted his hand lightly and said, "You, you just think too much." Let's go to the hospital and ask the doctor, they must know best. ”
Li Bo nodded, feeling a little more steady, and decided to find a time to go to the hospital to find a doctor to have a good chat.
With the improvement of living standards, hyperlipidemia is becoming more and more common in middle-aged and elderly people. Atorvastatin, as a commonly used lipid-lowering drug, has attracted much attention for its correct use.
So, what are the precautions for taking statins for a long time?
01
Atorvastatin, as a potent statin, is mainly used to reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
It is one of the most widely used lipid-lowering drugs, especially in mainland China, and is often used as the first choice for the initial treatment of hyperlipidemia because of its high efficacy and good tolerability.
Experts note that patients with three conditions must take statins:
First, all patients with confirmed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, second, patients with extremely high LDL cholesterol levels, and third, patients who are older and have a diabetic background.
Therefore, it is crucial for these patients to understand the mechanism of action of atorvastatin and how to use it correctly.
02
Atorvastatin not only effectively lowers LDL cholesterol in the blood, but also moderately raises HDL cholesterol, thereby fighting the development of cardiovascular disease.
Long-term use of atorvastatin stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques and reduces the risk of blood clots from plaque detachment or rupture.
Dr. Ma from Beijing Anzhen Hospital has conducted studies showing that patients taking atorvastatin show better compliance and effectiveness in lowering cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
Although atorvastatin is effective, patients need to be alert to possible side effects during treatment.
The main side effects that may occur with long-term use include liver problems and muscle problems, so it is essential to regularly check liver function and creatine kinase levels, and if any abnormalities are found, you should immediately communicate with your doctor to adjust or stop taking the drug.
03
1. Don't rely only on drugs to lower blood lipids
Although atorvastatin is effective in lowering blood lipids, patients cannot rely on medication alone.
In order to achieve the best treatment results, patients should also change their bad lifestyle habits, such as exercising regularly, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol.
These lifestyle modifications, combined with medication, can be more effective in controlling blood lipids and preventing cardiovascular disease.
2. Don't be afraid of side effects and don't take medicine
Any drug can have side effects, "it is a drug that is poisonous".
Understanding the possible side effects of atorvastatin, such as poor liver function or muscle pain, and seeking prompt medical attention if early symptoms occur is key to ensuring safe treatment.
3. Don't use other drugs casually
Atorvastatin is metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver, and when shared with certain antibiotics and antifungal drugs, it may cause drug interactions, affecting the efficacy of the drug or exacerbating side effects.
During the use of atorvastatin, patients should avoid adding other drugs on their own without the guidance of their doctor, as this may increase the health risks.
After listening to the doctor's explanation, Lieber finally eliminated his fear of atorvastatin, and he began to take atorvastatin regularly and pay attention to lifestyle adjustments.
A few months later, his blood lipid levels had decreased significantly and his physical condition had improved.
Atorvastatin is used correctly, in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, which is the key to effective blood lipid control and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Let us cherish health, start from the details, and jointly protect the good life of the middle-aged and elderly.