MANILA, Philippines - Statins are tried-and-tested drugs, not only for lowering increased cholesterol levels, but preventing cardiovascular complications like heart attack and stroke. In fact, for high-risk patients like diabetics, heart experts recommend them even if the cholesterol levels are not high, and clinical studies have shown that to optimize its beneficial effects in preventing heart attacks and strokes, the highest tolerable dose must be given.
Side effects of muscle pains or myalgia, however, can be a limiting factor that limits the optimal use of statins. In rare instances, a serious life-threatening muscle complication, called rhabdomylysis, has been reported.
Statins may cause depletion of the body’s coenzyme Q10, an energy generating substance essential for the proper function of the muscles, since this enzyme shares the same metabolic pathway as that of cholesterol which statins block.
Coenzyme Q10 is made by the body along the same pathway as cholesterol, thus statin therapy also limits the production of coenzyme Q10.
What would seem as simple muscle aches could become dangerous if not addressed and managed properly either by regulating statin intake or through coenzyme Q10 supplementation such as the Trianon brand which comes in 30-mg capsules.
Soon the company will come out with Cardiozyme which contains 60 mg per capsule of coenzyme Q10 for a more potent effect and benefit on the heart and skeletal muscles.
One of the ways in which physicians determine the severity of muscle damage to a patient is through monitoring their blood level of creatinine kinase, a simple test which can be done in most laboratories in the country.
The American College of Cardiology advises that patients on statin therapy whose creatinine kinase levels rise three to 10 times above normal should regularly have it checked, but may still continue with the therapy. Those that exceed 10 times the normal levels, however, should discontinue taking statins.
For high-risk patients, discontinuing statins may not be a sound medical option, since it can lessen their protection against heart attacks and strokes. Health experts advise reducing statin dose or giving it on alternate days.
Alternatively, they could also take coenzyme Q10 supplements such as the Trianon CoQ10 30 mg or Cardiozyme 60mg to help replenish the body’s natural supply of the coenzyme Q10.
Trianon CoQ10 is currently available at Mercury and all leading drug stores nationwide. Soon, the more potent Cardiozyme, containing 60 mg per capsule, will also be available in the same drugstore outlets nationwide.