Great Britain
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Side Effects of Statins: Headaches and Other Common Reactions to Cholesterol-Lowering Medications

Statins are a group of drugs that target "bad"cholesterol levels in the blood. They are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK and are taken by approximately 7-8 million adults in the UK.

It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver and helping to remove cholesterol already in the blood. Statins can also reduce inflammation in the walls of arteries.

Like other drugs, statins can cause side effects of varying severity.

One of the most common symptoms is headache, thought to affect up to 17% of users.

In a small study of her 200 patients taking statins, 16.5% of his patients who experienced side effects complained of headaches.

Statins are used to lower cholesterol, but they can cause many side effects (

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According to previous studies, the two most common side effects caused by statin use include muscle aches and headaches.

What causes headaches?

In this cross-sectional study, women aged 40 and older who self-reported symptoms such as severe headaches and migraineof people were surveyed.

"We found a significant interaction between statin use and vitamin D levels and the prevalence of severe or migraine headaches," said the study. increase.

The conclusion is: "Statin use in people with high serum vitamin D levels is significantly associated with a lower chance of developing severe or migraine headaches."

How to reduce statin-induced headaches

The NHS recommends drinking plenty of water when taking statins to reduce headache symptoms.

The health agency added: Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation for pain relievers.

"Headaches usually subside after the first week of taking atorvastatin.

"If symptoms persist for more than a week or are severe, consult your doctor.

Feeling sick is another potential side effect of statins

Statin use includes:

  • Feeling unwell (nausea) or indigestion
  • Aching or pain in the back or joints
  • Nosebleeds
  • Sore throat
  • Cold-like symptoms Runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing
  • Constipation or wind
  • Diarrhea

Lower cholesterol levels naturally

Lifestyle You can also lower high cholesterol levels by changing

"To lower cholesterol, try to reduce fatty foods, especially those containing a type of fat called saturated fat," he advises the NHS.

This is because saturated fat raises the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood.

Bad cholesterol, also called LDL cholesterol, sticks to the inside of artery walls and is a precursor to heart attacks and strokes.

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