Merits and demerits of statins, a cholesterol lowering agent-A review

Background: Statins are themselves the most common class of drugs may be synthetic in origin or derived from microorganisms used to treat hypercholesterolemia. An increasing number of patients are turning to and using statins as to combat hypercholesterolemia. However, a comprehensive and objective examination of the merits and demerits of said use is required as to properly guide physicians and patients. Main body: In order to accomplish this, a number of published journals were examined in order to gather information and insight into the matter. Based on the results it was noted that statins actively reduce cholesterol (LDLc and total cholesterol) and apolipoprotein B levels and prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, it was also presented that statins can be linked to a number of adverse effects including but not limited to muscle complications, rhabdomyolysis and pancreatitis. Conclusions: At present the number of viable merits as it pertains to statin use as a means of controlling or treating hypercholesterolemia are numerous and includes but is not limited to: increased HDL cholesterol and Apolipoprotein A1 as well as a noteworthy decreased in total cholesterol. Further research be done in order to expand further upon the uses and possible adverse effects of statins