At least 30 percent of Americans have LDL (”bad” cholesterol) levels that are considered too high. But despite the popularity of statin drugs within the medical community, people don’t always stick with these medications.
Only about half of those prescribed a cholesterol-lowering drug still take it after six months. After a year, only about 30 to 40 percent continue drug therapy.
"There’s been a lot of negative press about statins lately,” cardiologist Christopher Cannon, MD,at Brigham and Women’s Hospital recently told the Boston Globe. The Canadian government recently placed a warning on statins, alerting consumers that these drugs diminish coenzyme Q10 (coQ10) in the body, which can lead to heart failure.
“This effect certainly has major implications for patients with cardiac disease,” explains cardiologist Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, FACC, CN, CNS, “and is especially true for patients with congestive heart failure or an overactive thyroid gland.”
Impaired memory, disorientation, confusion, muscle achesinflammation, and weakness are other serious side effects from these drugs. Abdominal cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, skin flushing or rash, and trouble sleeping are also common complaints.
No wonder the National Health Interview Study shows that the use of alternatives to statin drugs has doubled since 2002. What natural alternative is most often chosen to protect the heart? Heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids top the list.
New Australian research finds that omega-3 fats, when combined with phytosterols like those found in flax seeds, not only lower total and LDL cholesterol but also reduce inflammation and lower triglycerides. This natural regimen costs only a fraction of what statins cost.
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