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Statins are a class of drugs that lower cholesterol levels in the body by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA which plays a pivotal role in cholesterol production in the liver. High cholesterol levels have been associated with cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. Statins are used as prevention to these diseases. Statins are believed to have rare but adverse effects, particularly muscle damage and liver problems especially when overprescribed, which doctors believe happens most of the time.

About the Statins effect

A study conducted by Canadian researchers analyzed more than 2 million people starting from age 40 and above. They studied people with or without kidney problems who were taking statins. The high doses included, atorvastatin [Lipitor] at doses of 20 mg or higher and simvastatin [zocor] at 40 mg, the rest of the doses given were considered low doses.

Findings of the research study

The Canadian researchers showed that participants who use statins and take higher doses have a 34 percent chance of being hospitalized for acute kidney complications in the period of 120 days of using statin compared to the ones taking smaller doses.

The study showed that people with kidney complications were not at a higher risk irrespective of their statin use.

The study showed that how statin causes kidney complications is not exactly known but ”statins have been shown to block the production of coenzyme Q10, a substance that breaks down food in the body, which theoretically could lead to kidney complications” Colin Dormuth, an epidemiologist from the University of British Colombia in Vancouver said.

He also linked statin with protein in the urine which is a sign and symptom of kidney complication. He said that if one is concerned about statin, one should not stop taking statins abruptly until contact with a physician so that tests can be done and necessary actions taken before jumping into conclusions.

Signs of kidney complications are difficulty in urinating, dark color in urine, urinating less frequently.

Experts say that the new research does not establish ‘a cause and effect’ relationship between kidney complications and high dose of statins.

The clinical director of the women’s cardiovascular health programme, Dr. Laxmi Mehtaa, said that,’ people should be more   diligent about their kidney functions but all in all doctors won’t stop prescribing statins.

Statins occasionally cause the patients’ liver to increase production of enzymes which helps in digestion of foods, drinks and medicine but it may also produce harmful enzymes that result to liver damage.

Some experts say that it is possible Statin may increase your blood sugar (blood glucose) which may lead to developing type-2 diabetes.

Although statins help by lowering cholesterol levels in the body, a higher dose of it than prescribed by a doctor may be harmful to one’s health.