As if you didn't already have plenty to worry about if you have high cholesterol, now the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is putting a new warning label on popular cholesterol-reducing statin drugs waning that those who take the drugs have an increased risk in Type 2 diabetes and memory loss.
The change will affect many of the frequently prescribed medications that control cholesterol levels, including Lipitor (atorvastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin) and Vytorin (simvastatin/ezetimibe). With Latinos already having a higher risk factor for diabetes, this is just one more reason why it's important to try to regulate your cholesterol with a better diet instead of drugsthat have potentially dangerous side effects.
Memory loss is a scary side effect, but diabetes can be even more dangerous. It's a precursor for heart disease, which in turn increases your changes of a heart attack or stroke.
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Although the FDA assures patients that the cholesterol control drugs are still safe, the warning label is something to be aware of. In a statement, Dr. Amy G. Egan, deputy director for safety in the FDA's division of metabolism and endocrinology products, said:
The value of statins in preventing heart disease has been clearly established. Their benefit is indisputable, but they need to be taken with care and knowledge of their side effects.
The drug is no longer as safe as previously thought, so why isn't the FDA also prescribing a cholesterol lowering diet to go along with it? According to Suzanne Farrel, MS, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, lowering cholesterol levels is not about eating a few select special foods:
Eating a healthy diet is not just about eating a few special foods. There's a bigger picture. You need to practice moderation, eat a variety of foods, and get enough physical activity.
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There are some foods that are proven to have beneficial effects on cholesterol levels though. Some better-for-your-cholesterol foods include fatty fish like salmon, high-fiber beans and other fruit and vegetables rich in fiber. It can also help to swap saturated fats for olive oil and eat plenty of nuts filled with healthy fats. Although you may need to keep taking a statin drug, the new warnings also indicate that you should be doing more–since a healthier diet will not only lead to a lower levels of cholesterol but to less risk for Type 2 diabetes and, therefore, a healthier heart.
Will you or your family members keep taking statin drugs despite the new warnings?
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