Q: I am a 50-year-old male and have had high cholesterol for as long as I can remember. The doctor has put me on a cholesterol lowering drug (Lipitor), which did bring the level down. I was at 7.8 and now it is 5.9, with the help of a low fat diet as well.
The problem is that I have severe side effects Ð muscle aches and diarrhea, which makes taking this drug unpleasant. What are the risks of my not taking it?
A: I am often asked this question, as many people do not like the side effects of the statins or cholesterol lowering drugs. It is also difficult to give an accurate answer, because there are conflicting studies on the risk versus benefits of these medications.
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A few years ago an article in USA Today stated that cholesterol-lowering drugs dramatically lowered the risks of heart attacks, and that the risk of side effects was far outweighed by the increase in life expectancy.
However, a recent survey has shown that lowering cholesterol only improves chances of not having a heart attack by 1.4 percent. If this is true, it may not be worth the risk of taking the medication.
It is well documented that drugs such as Lipitor can have serious side effects. The most important is a condition known as rhabdomyolysis, which is a destruction of muscle tissue.
If this affects the heart muscle, it can be fatal. Although this is extremely rare, it might be wise for you to discontinue the medication if you have any type of muscle aches or pains.
Diarrhea or loose bowel movement is a common side effect, and I know of someone who became dehydrated and had to receive intravenous fluids in hospital.
There is also an increased risk of cancer of the liver and some types of psychiatric illness, particularly depression. Some researchers even feel there is an increased risk of suicide in people who have low cholesterol levels, even those who have a naturally low reading.
Finally, as you seem to have lowered your cholesterol level more than would be expected by taking the drug, you must be doing well with your low fat diet. Perhaps this will be sufficient to keep you from having a heart attack.
A high cholesterol level is only one risk factor for the development of heart disease. The others are high blood pressure, family history of heart attacks and diabetes.
Other uses for Viagra
A research project was carried out on 100 medical students in Bolivia where they stayed at high altitudes in the mountains. When given Viagra, they did not have the same degree of altitude sickness. High altitudes affect the blood circulation in the lungs leading to fluid collecting in the lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe. The early climbers on Mount Everest suffered from this problem. Viagra made the blood vessels in the lungs dilate so they were able to carry more oxygen into the blood stream.
This research may prove Viagra could be useful in the treatment of other lung conditions such as asthma.
Clare Rowson is a medical doctor with a practice near Belleville, Ont. Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding medical questions and treatments.
