Statins and CoQ10

What is a Statin Drug?

Statins are a classification of drugs used to lower cholesterol in the human body. The drugs limit the production of cholesterol in the liver. Statins800

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) molecule that is either manufactured in the liver or acquired when we eat meats, eggs or dairy products. Cholesterol in and of itself is not bad. Actually, you can't live without cholesterol which is manufactured daily in the liver and then transported to the blood where it assists in many body functions such as:

Manufacturing of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone
Manufacturing of adrenal hormones such as cortisol
One of several building block for bile in the liver
Converts sunshine to vitamin D
Insulates nerve fibers like the outer coating of an electric wire
Helps in the absorption of vitamin A, D, E, and K

Different Types of Cholesterol?

There are two basic types of cholesterol:

LDL or low density lipoproteins, also known as "Bad Cholesterol". LDL carries cholesterol form the liver to cells in the body. A harmful rise in LDL can cause arterial disease or fatty plaque build-up in the arteries.

HDL or high density lipoproteins, also known as "Good Cholesterol". HDL takes the cholesterol away from the cells and carries it back to the liver where it can be eliminated. HDL is believed to be able to prevent arterial disease or fatty plaque build-up in the arteries.

What are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are the chemical forms of fat that are present in the blood. Cholesterol combined with triglycerides form the total fat in the blood.

Triglycerides enter the body through the fats in our diet but can also be formed by the body if it needs energy by converting stored carbohydrates into fats. Elevated triglyceride levels are also considered to be a risk factor for developing arterial disease. High LDL levels tend to run with high triglyceride levels.

Normal Cholesterol and Triglycerides Levels

CHOLESTEROL (Total)

Normal Range: 100-199 mg/dl
Borderline: 200-239 mg/dl
High: 240 and above mg/dl

TRIGLYCERIDES

Normal Range: 150 mg/dl (or below)
Borderline: 150 - 199 mg/dl
High: 200 - 499 mg/dl
Extremely High: 500 mg/dl (or greater)

LDL

Normal Range: 0-99 mg/dl
Near Optimal: 100-129 mg/dl
Boderline High: 130-159
High: 160-189
Very High: 190 and above

HDL:

Optimal Range: 60 mg/dl (or greater)
Good Range: 50-59 mg/dl
Poor Range: 40-49 mg/dl (or below)

What Causes High Cholesterol Levels

POOR NUTRITION: consuming foods high in saturated fats such as red meat, sausage, milk, eggs, dairy, cheese and foods high in carbohydrates which turn into fat such as cakes, cookies, pies candy and junk food in general.

SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE: Lack of exercise and working in a job that involves a lot of sitting

BODYWEIGHT: Individuals who are Obese or overweight tend to have higher LDL levels and lower HDL levels.

SMOKING: Smokers tend to have higher LDL levels and lower HDL levels.

ALCOHOL: Individuals who consume too much alcohol tend to have higher LDL levels and lower HDL levels.

Natural Treatment of High Cholesterol Levels

Regular Exercise
Good Nutrition
Avoid Foods High in Saturated Fats
Weight Loss
Avoid Alcohol
Stop Smoking

Cholesterol Controlling Medications

Statins - A group of medicines that block an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) in your liver that produces cholesterol. Some examples of these medications are as follows:

Lipitor
Lovastatin
Fluvastatin
Pravastatin
Simvastatin
Atorvastatin
Rosuvastatin
Zocor
Crestor
Pravachol

The Problem with Statins

In blocking the enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) to reduce the amount of cholesterol your liver produces, an essential nutrient responsible for energy production of your muscle system is also disturbed. This essential nutrient is known as CoQ10, or coenzyme Q10. It is more scientifically known as ubiquinone. As a result the most common reported side effect of statin use is muscular aches and pains.

Other common side effects include:

Muscle Weakness and Fatigue
Rhabdomyolysis
Memory Loss, Thinking and Concentration Difficulties
Altered Liver Function
Depression and Irritability
Headaches, Joint pains and Abdominal pains
Peripheral Neuropathy
Fatigue
Sleep Problems

Supplement with CoQ10

Studies show that Statins can reduce Cholesterol levels by 40-50%. It only makes sense that there is a similar corresponding reduction in your CoQ10 levels which can trigger many of the side effects previously mentioned. There are no known side effects to proper supplementation of CoQ10 making an addition of the supplement to your daily intake regimen just plain old common sense.

Suggested Dose of CoQ10:

100 mg - one to two times per day

Benefits of Supplementing Your Diet with CoQ10

According to an article on the Mayo Clinic Website, supplementing your diet with CoQ10 can be beneficial in helping the following disorders: