Tag Archives: Heart Health

The Statin Conundrum: Why Alcohol and Cholesterol Meds Don’t Mix

27 Monday Nov 2023

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Perhaps you know of a friend or two who have high cholesterol and who also enjoy more than the occasional alcoholic beverage.

Often, I hear, “Well, I know someone who has high cholesterol, and they still drink.” Or, “My doctor has never told me to stop.” Frequently the truth is, they just don’t want to have to give up alcohol.

Alcohol and statins are two elements that might seem innocuous on their own but together can create a risky combination when mixed. Just ask a pharmacist.

Statins, a commonly prescribed medication to lower cholesterol, work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA, which plays a crucial role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. Meanwhile, alcohol, when consumed in excess, can have adverse effects on various bodily functions, including the liver. When these two interact, it is not a match made in health heaven.

Some commonly prescribed statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and pravastatin (Pravachol), among others. They come in various strengths and are usually taken orally, typically once a day before bedtime. The choice of statin and its dosage may vary based on individual health factors, cholesterol levels, and any existing medical conditions or medications.

Here’s why individuals on statins may want to reconsider that glass of wine or pint of beer.

Interactions with the Liver: Both alcohol and statins affect the liver. Statins are primarily metabolized in the liver, and consuming alcohol while taking these medications can exacerbate the strain on this vital organ. Alcohol can also interfere with the breakdown of statins, potentially leading to higher levels of the medication in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of side effects.

Heightened Risk of Side Effects: Statins come with their own set of potential side effects, including liver damage, muscle pain, and increased blood sugar levels. Adding alcohol to the mix can heighten these risks. Excessive alcohol consumption can further stress the liver and muscles, potentially intensifying the statin-related side effects.

Impact on Cholesterol Levels: While moderate alcohol intake may have a modest impact on raising HDL (good) cholesterol, it’s crucial to note that the overall benefits of alcohol on cholesterol are limited. Excessive alcohol consumption can counteract any potential benefits and lead to higher triglyceride levels, which can be detrimental for cardiovascular health.

Increased Risk of Myopathy: Myopathy, a condition characterized by muscle weakness or pain, is a known side effect of statin use. Alcohol consumption can exacerbate this risk by contributing to muscle inflammation and damage, potentially amplifying the discomfort experienced by individuals taking statins.

Risk of Liver Complications: Chronic alcohol use is a leading cause of liver disease. When combined with statins, especially at higher doses, the risk of liver complications can significantly increase. This can manifest as elevated liver enzymes, fatty liver disease, or even liver failure in severe cases.

Medication Effectiveness: Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of medications, including statins. Consistent alcohol consumption might reduce an individual’s commitment to taking their medication regularly or as prescribed, impacting the overall effectiveness of the treatment plan.

But wait! Let’s delve deeper into specific aspects of the interaction between alcohol and statins, focusing on how each impacts the body and why their combination can be concerning.

Metabolic Burden on the Liver: The liver serves as a central player in metabolizing both statins and alcohol. Statins, designed to regulate cholesterol levels, undergo breakdown in the liver. However, when alcohol is introduced, the liver prioritizes processing the alcohol, potentially slowing down the breakdown of statins. This interference can elevate the levels of statins in the bloodstream, amplifying the risk of adverse effects.

Synergistic Muscle Effects: Muscle-related complications, such as myopathy and rhabdomyolysis (a severe form of muscle breakdown), are known side effects of statin use. Alcohol, especially when consumed excessively, can lead to muscle inflammation and weakness. When combined with statins, this effect can be exacerbated, potentially increasing the likelihood of experiencing muscle-related side effects.

Cholesterol Profile Discrepancies: While moderate alcohol consumption, especially red wine, has been associated with modest increases in HDL (good) cholesterol levels, its impact on overall cholesterol profiles is limited. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to elevated triglyceride levels, which can counteract any potential benefits on cholesterol levels, contributing to an unfavorable lipid profile.

Potential for Drug Interactions: Beyond statins, individuals often take multiple medications to manage various health conditions. Alcohol can interact with these medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or intensifying their side effects. When combined with statins, these interactions can complicate treatment plans and compromise health outcomes.

Individual Variability and Sensitivity: Each person’s tolerance to both alcohol and statins can vary significantly. Factors such as age, genetics, liver health, and the specific type and dosage of statin can influence how an individual responds to this combination. What might be tolerable for one person could pose significant risks for another.

Long-Term Health Implications: Consistent heavy alcohol consumption, particularly when coupled with statin use, can have long-term consequences on cardiovascular health, liver function, and overall well-being. Chronic exposure to this combination can increase the risk of developing serious health conditions over time.

Summary

While the occasional drink might not immediately counteract the benefits of statin therapy, excessive or chronic alcohol consumption can compound the risks associated with statin use. The interplay between alcohol and statins can stress various bodily systems, potentially leading to adverse effects that outweigh any perceived benefits.

Hence, if you are on statins, it is essential to consult with your primary care physician, cardiologist, or a healthcare professional if you plan to continue with alcohol consumption. Knowing the potential risks and interactions can help you make informed decisions about what is best for your health and well-being. In many cases, providers may recommend limiting or abstaining from alcohol while on statins to minimize potential complications and optimize the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana

The Right Foods for a Healthy Heart

27 Thursday Feb 2014

Posted by in Health and Wellness, Nutrition

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week95You workout, you eat well, but do you also include foods that are especially good for your heart? Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of American deaths in and stroke is number four?

My own father had high blood pressure and passed away at age 79 after his second stroke. We thought he would outlive us all by his disciplined way of life through exercise and staying on top of his weight plus his exuberant zest for life. But he never told of us of his first stroke – probably not to worry us – for if he had I would have watched his diet choices closely and checked in on his daily exercise and activities.

Mom had low blood pressure practically her entire life until she hit her mid-70s when high blood pressure just genetically kicked in. Mom also began to slow down in her later years (she’s now 89) and exercises less. But shortly after Dad passed, Mom began having a series of strokes but survived them all most likely due to heart-healthy diet.

So while coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease may be in the genes handed to you, you can control your daily diet, which can help prevent, avoid, and stop a serious outcome. Keeping your heart healthy and strong and giving it the added nutritional boost it needs and deserves is in your hands by choosing to eat the right foods for excellent vascular health. Luckily, there are many. Below is just for starters.

Apples
Apples are rich in pectin, a form of soluble fiber known to help lower cholesterol levels and contain a wonderful antioxidant flavonoid mixture of quercetin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, kaempferol and other compounds to stop the “bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and prevent plaque built up in arteries.

Avocado
One of the world’s healthiest foods, avocados are crammed with monounsaturated fat and two key carotenoid antioxidants—lycopene and beta-carotene. The fruit, which is often mistaken for a vegetable, will help reduce your LDL levels while raising the amount of “good” HDL cholesterol in your body. The greatest source of carotenoids in the avocado is in the dark green flesh that lies just beneath the skin so be certain not to slice into that dark green portion any more than necessary when peeling.

Bananas
Bananas are loaded with potassium and potassium helps to maintain your normal heart function and the balance of sodium and water in your body. Potassium also helps your kidneys excrete excess sodium, which in turn balances your blood pressure. Just one banana has 422 milligrams, about 12 percent of your recommended daily amount.

Beans
“Beans, beans; they are good for the heart, the more you eat, the more …” Healthier you are! Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and soluble fiber, just a half-cup of cooked beans daily helps to lower your cholesterol and prevents absorption. Beans also have flavonoids, which help to reduce your risk of a heart attack and stroke by hindering the adhesion of platelets in the blood. Choose chickpeas or black, kidney, lima, navy, pinto beans, and legumes.

Berries
Full of anti-inflammatories, just a cup a day of berries — blueberries, strawberries, black berries, raspberries, cranberries, or bilberries — will help to reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer by increasing your levels of “good” HDL cholesterol while also lowering your blood pressure. Eat your favorites!

Dark Chocolate
Ahhh, the health benefits when indulging in dark chocolate! Eating moderate amounts of flavanol-rich dark chocolate — just one-ounce daily of 70 percent cocoa solids — has a blood-thinning effect, benefiting your cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation while also lowering your blood pressure due to its plentiful levels of nitric oxide.

Flaxseed
Top your morning oatmeal or sprinkle into your shakes as just a little goes a long way for your heart with flaxseed! Multiple published researches indicate flaxseed reduces the risk and fight everything from heart and lung disease to diabetes and certain cancers with its soluble and insoluble fibers, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and lignans.

Green Tea
Drink up! Studies show drinking 12 ounces a day reduces your heart attack chances by 50 percent thanks to the catechins (antioxidants) found in green tea by expanding your heart artery and keeping them clear hence improving your blood flow. It also reduces your cholesterol and triglycerides levels and lowers your risk of developing gum disease, which is often linked to heart problems.

Leafy Greens
The darker the better when it comes to leafy greens, which are highest in magnesium, lutein, folate, potassium, fiber, and Vitamin E. The combination helps to lower your blood pressure, triglycerides while increasing the good HDL cholesterol. Fresh spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are your best bets! Increase your daily servings for an added boost.

Nuts
A great source of mono- and polyunsaturated fats with low levels of saturated fats, nuts provide much needed fiber in the daily diet. Also filled with of vitamins and minerals. Go for the walnuts if picking just one. Pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, pine nuts and peanuts are also excellent.

Oatmeal
Full of omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium, this fiber-rich superfood contains beta glucan, a soluble fiber that lowers your total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. The oats also helps to keep your digestive system healthy and keep your arteries clear. Add oats to smoothies for an extra lift.

Oily Fish
Salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines are all super-rich in omega-3 fatty acids and contain astaxanthin, a very powerful antioxidant. All help to reduce blood pressure and clotting plus help prevent irregular heart rhythms. Eat two servings a week to reduce risk of a heart attack by up to 30 percent. Choose wild over farm-raised.

Olive Oil
Full of monounsaturated fats, olive oil reduces your bad LDL cholesterol and lowers your risk of developing heart disease. Only two tablespoons a day is all you need. Extra-virgin olive oil contains polyphenols that reduce inflammation and help prevent certain cancers. Remember to store your olive oil in a dark, cool spot in a tightly covered container.

Pomegranates
Don’t buy or eat pomegranates? You might want to start now. Their powerful punch of polyphenols — including anthocyanins and tannins — help to reduce the buildup of the plaque in your arteries and lower your blood pressure.

Popcorn
Who would have guessed? Unsalted and unbuttered popcorn, which also happens to be a whole grain, is packed with polyphenols — antioxidants linked to improving your heart and cardiovascular health — and boasting three times more polyphenols than beans and four times more than berries.

Soy
An excellent protein substitute for red meat, soy is a high-quality protein containing high levels of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also low in saturated fat, helping to reduce your triglycerides, preventing cardiovascular disease and keep your heart strong and healthy. Eat natural sources of soy, such as edamame, tempeh, or organic silken tofu.

Whole Grains
Just 25 grams of whole grains a day is all you need to reduce your risk of heart disease. Whole grains contain bran, germ, and the starchy endosperm and provide and high soluble fiber to help to keep your heart healthy by lowering your “bad” LDL plus the antioxidants, phytoestrogens and phytosterols found in whole grains protect your against coronary disease.

Wine
Countless studies have findings showing people who drink moderately are less likely to have heart disease than those who don’t. Up to one glass for women and two for men can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by raising the “good” HDL cholesterol while decreasing inflammation and “thinning the blood.”

Yogurt
Yogurt? Yes, yogurt! Older women who regularly eat four ounces of yogurt have less thickening of the carotid arteries’ walls, lowering the risk of a stroke and heart attack. Yogurt eaters also have healthier gums due to the probiotics.

Changing your diet is a great start.  A good rule of thumb for a healthy heart is to also control your portion size and eat more of low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods and less of high-calorie, high-sodium foods. This means more fruits and vegetables and eliminating refine, processed, and fast foods. Choose lean meats, skinless poultry and fresh water fish. Select low-fat dairy products and chow down on egg whites versus whole.

Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well.
Adriana