Taking Statins for Heart Health

Diet Plus Medication

Since high levels of HDL (healthy) cholesterol decrease health risks and high levels of LDL (lousy) cholesterol raise the likelihood of heart disease and stroke, we want to increase the first and lower the second. But that’s not always so simple. The first step is to eat more LDL-lowering foods: almonds, apples, bananas, berries, carrots, cold-water fish like salmon (and omega-3-rich oils), dried legumes, garlic, oats, olive oil, and walnuts. One recent meta-analysis shows that soy isoflavones lower LDL and total cholesterol, for example. Fiber in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also helps lower lousy cholesterol. It’s important to reduce dietary cholesterol and intake of saturated and trans fats from red meat and processed fats. But for some individuals with a genetic predisposition, even the healthiest diet will not lower LDL or overall cholesterol levels effectively.

A class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins include Lipitor (atorvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin), and Pravachol (pravastatin). Statins are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States, with sales exceeding $10 billion annually. Lipitor and Zocor have ranked as the number one and number two top-selling drugs in recent years.

A Key Supplement

Although statins reduce cholesterol, they may also interfere with the body’s synthesis of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). A coenzyme nutrient present in every cell of the body, CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone, which comes from from the word ubiquitous meaning “found everywhere.” CoQ10 has been shown to reduce high blood pressure, angina (chest pain from clogged arteries), heart attack, and heart toxicity caused by some chemotherapy drugs. In addition to its many cardiovascular benefits, CoQ10 may also help prevent cancer, gum disease, and even Parkinson’s disease. That’s why depletion of this vital nutrient is cause for concern.

Scientific research indicates that congestive heart failure may be due, in part, to a CoQ10 deficiency. In a review of research on statins’ depletion of CoQ10, experts from East Texas Medical Center write, “We are currently in the midst of a congestive heart failure epidemic in the United States . . . As physicians, it is our duty to be absolutely certain that we are not inadvertently doing harm to our patients by creating a widespread deficiency of a nutrient critically important for normal heart function.”

Integrative pharmacist Sherry Torkos, BScPhm, recommends that anyone who takes a cholesterol-lowering drug supplement with CoQ10 daily. Several studies have demonstrated that CoQ10 appears to be safe at these dosages. Statins can interact with other prescription drugs, however. It’s important to discuss all medications and supplements you’re taking with a doctor or pharmacist.