Statin types

Rhonda Patrick, alongside guests like Dr. Peter Attia, has discussed various types of statins and their implications comprehensively on the Found My Fitness. Here's an overview of the primary types of statins and some key insights:

Types of Statins

1. Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
2. Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
3. Pitavastatin (Livalo)
4. Pravastatin (Pravachol)

Peter Attia elaborates on these statins, emphasizing that not all are created equal, and fewer are commonly prescribed due to efficacy and side-effect profiles 1.

Key Insights

• Effectiveness: These statins are particularly effective at lowering LDL cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver, which upregulates LDL receptors to clear more LDL from the bloodstream.
• Side Effects:
  • Muscle Aches: About 7% of users might experience muscle aches, which are generally reversible upon discontinuation of the drug.
  • Insulin Resistance: A small subset, around 0.4%, might develop diabetes, with atorvastatin showing the highest incidence, possibly due to its widespread use 1.
  • Liver Function Changes: Statins can also affect liver enzyme levels, indicative of liver inflammation rather than direct liver damage 1.
• Dosage and Monitoring: A holistic approach with careful monitoring of markers such as fasting insulin and glucose is essential to mitigate the risk of insulin resistance and other side effects 1.

Hydrophobic vs. Hydrophilic Statins

Attia points out that, counterintuitively, there is no significant difference in outcomes between hydrophobic (fat-soluble) and hydrophilic (water-soluble) statins concerning their therapeutic effects or side-effect profiles. This is surprising since one might expect hydrophobic statins to have more impact due to better brain penetration 2.

Statin Use in Women

Particular caution is advised for women, who are at a higher risk of developing diabetes when on statins. Studies suggest that women might be two to four times more likely to develop diabetes when treated with statins compared to men 3.

These insights highlight the importance of individualized treatment plans and thorough monitoring when using statins to manage cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.