Interesting Facts About The Drug Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin, like all other statins, owes its effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular diseases to its ability to selectively and effectively inhibit the enzyme for cholesterol synthesis. 

Atorvastatin  is a statin drug. These drugs are widely used to lower the cholesterol level and thus prevent cardiovascular diseases and treat dyslipidemia (lipid metabolism disorder).

Raised cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in industrialized countries. However, it should not be forgotten that cholesterol is vital for the body  as it is a precursor to many hormones.

That is why a  balanced cholesterol level is particularly important. Because even a deficit could have serious health consequences. For this reason, you should carefully follow the instructions of your doctor if you experience symptoms.

Interesting facts about cardiovascular diseases

As already mentioned at the beginning,  the drug atorvastatin aims to prevent cardiovascular diseases. It is used in patients who suffer from high cholesterol levels.

Cardiovascular diseases encompass various pathologies that are the leading cause of death in industrialized countries. These include the following diseases:

• high blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Apoplexy (sudden abnormal blood flow in an organ) or cerebrovascular disease
• Peripheral vascular diseases

These diseases are closely related to various risk factors that favor their development. These include the following dangers, among others:

• Smoking:  Tobacco accumulates pollutants in the body that cause illnesses. Smokers are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease as non-smokers.

• Sedentary lifestyle:  In industrialized countries, the population is suffering from a sedentary lifestyle. As with tobacco, this doubles the chance of developing cardiovascular disease.
• Bad eating habits 

How does atorvastatin affect the body?

Atorvastatin, like other statins, owes its effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular diseases to its ability to selectively and effectively inhibit the enzyme necessary for cholesterol synthesis. 

We are specifically talking about the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is important in the synthesis of cholesterol. Because in eukaryotes it reduces the HMG-CoA to mevalonate, the precursor of sterol compounds such as cholesterol.

By inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, atorvastatin can also reduce mevalonate  and as a result, less cholesterol is stored in the liver.

This mechanism also interferes with the regulation of LDL receptors (bad cholesterol) and the absorption of circulating lipoproteins.

All of these processes make it possible to lower the level of LDL cholesterol. The effectiveness of this treatment is still being tested in various studies and clinical trials.

Side effects of treatment with atorvastatin

While this drug is usually well tolerated by patients,  it can cause various side effects. 

The  side effects observed with atorvastatin administration are mild and usually normalize on their own.  The most common symptoms include:

• Gastrointestinal complaints  such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, dyspepsia or abdominal pain
• a headache
• nausea
• insomnia

On the other hand, other side effects could also be observed, but these occur very rarely. Not all of these symptoms are always due to treatment with atorvastatin. The rare side effects include the following:

• Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
• dizziness
• Thrombocytopenia
• Allergic reaction
• Alopecia
• Rashes

Final remark

Atorvastatin is a medicine in the statin family. It is mainly used preventively against cardiovascular diseases. 

However, it is particularly important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, to exercise every day and to ensure a healthy diet. Refrain from toxic habits like smoking!