{"id":34107,"date":"2024-01-15T00:35:20","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T00:35:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/?p=34107"},"modified":"2024-01-15T00:35:20","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T00:35:20","slug":"statins-may-be-inadvertently-aiding-the-enemy-by-accelerating-coronary-artery-calcification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/?p=34107","title":{"rendered":"Statins may be inadvertently aiding the enemy by accelerating coronary artery calcification."},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 class=\"sm:title-bold font-source my-2 text-[25px] font-medium leading-[30px] sm:text-[45px] sm:font-bold sm:leading-[54px]\">Long-Term Use of Statins Linked to Heart Disease: Studies<\/h1>\n<div class=\"my-4  border-y border-[#D3D3D3] pb-4 pt-3 text-[18px] italic leading-[21px] sm:mb-[30px] sm:mt-3.5 sm:pb-2.5 sm:pt-2 sm:text-[22px] sm:not-italic sm:leading-[26px]\">A new expert review suggests that long-term use of statins may be inadvertently aiding the enemy by accelerating coronary artery calcification.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<figure><picture><source srcset=\"\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F12%2F13%2Fid5546417-shutterstock_1713705757-1080x720.jpg&amp;w=1200&amp;q=75\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/img.theepochtimes.com\/assets\/uploads\/2023\/12\/13\/id5546417-shutterstock_1713705757-1080x720.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-full bg-gray-100 object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F12%2F13%2Fid5546417-shutterstock_1713705757-1080x720.jpg&amp;w=1200&amp;q=75\" srcset=\"\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F12%2F13%2Fid5546417-shutterstock_1713705757-1080x720.jpg&amp;w=640&amp;q=75 1x, \/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F12%2F13%2Fid5546417-shutterstock_1713705757-1080x720.jpg&amp;w=1200&amp;q=75 2x\" alt=\"Long-Term Use of Statins Linked to Heart Disease: Studies\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" data-nimg=\"1\" \/><\/picture><figcaption class=\"post_caption mt-2 pb-2\">(joel bubble ben\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"mx-auto max-w-[600px] my-4 flex items-center justify-between\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"mb-2 flex gap-2\">\n<div><picture><source srcset=\"\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F03%2F27%2Fid5152197-VanceVoetberg_WEB.jpg&amp;w=640&amp;q=75\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/img.theepochtimes.com\/assets\/uploads\/2023\/03\/27\/id5152197-VanceVoetberg_WEB.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-full bg-gray-100 object-cover aspect-square rounded-full !w-[52px] undefined\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F03%2F27%2Fid5152197-VanceVoetberg_WEB.jpg&amp;w=256&amp;q=75\" srcset=\"\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F03%2F27%2Fid5152197-VanceVoetberg_WEB.jpg&amp;w=128&amp;q=75 1x, \/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F03%2F27%2Fid5152197-VanceVoetberg_WEB.jpg&amp;w=256&amp;q=75 2x\" alt=\"Vance Voetberg\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" data-nimg=\"1\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-sm\">\n<div>By <a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/author\/vance-voetberg\">Vance Voetberg<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-3\">\n<div class=\"whitespace-nowrap text-sm text-gray-500\">12\/14\/2023<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"ml-4\">Updated: <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"whitespace-nowrap text-sm text-gray-500\">12\/28\/2023<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"overflow-x-hidden\">\n<div id=\"post_content\" class=\"post_content\" data-post-content=\"true\">\n<div class=\"my-5\">For decades, statins have been heralded as reliable heroes in the battle against heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States and globally. However, a new expert review suggests that long-term use of statins may be aiding the enemy by accelerating coronary artery calcification instead of providing protection.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Statins Deplete Heart-Protecting Nutrients\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>The review, <a class=\"health-article-hover-class\" href=\"https:\/\/cardiacos.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/2015-Statins-stimulate-atherosclerosis-and-heart-failure-pharmacological-mechanisms.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">published in Clinical Pharmacology<\/a>, suggests that statins may act as \u201cmitochondrial toxins,\u201d impairing muscle function in the heart and blood vessels by depleting coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant cells use for growth and maintenance. <a class=\"health-article-hover-class\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3096178\/#:~:text=Hydroxyl%2Dmethylglutaryl%20coenzyme%20A%20reductase,Q10%20levels%20in%20the%20serum.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Multiple studies<\/a> show that statins inhibit CoQ10 synthesis, leading many patients to supplement.<\/div>\n<p>CoQ10 is vital for producing ATP, the cell\u2019s fundamental energy carrier. Insufficient CoQ10 inhibits ATP production, resulting in an energy deficit that the review authors say \u201ccould be a major cause for heart muscle and coronary artery damage.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\u201cWe believe that many years of statin drug therapy result in the gradual accumulation of mitochondrial DNA damage,\u201d the authors wrote.<\/div>\n<div class=\"mb-5 text-center eet-ad\">\n<div class=\"w-full h-2 justify-center items-center gap-3 inline-flex\">\n<div class=\"grow shrink basis-0 h-px border-t border-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-neutral-500 text-xs font-normal\">S<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">A 2022 study published in <a class=\"health-article-hover-class\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0006349522006026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Biophysical Journal<\/a> linked reduced ATP to heart failure.<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">A 2008 study <a class=\"health-article-hover-class\" href=\"https:\/\/iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1002\/biof.5520250116\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">published in BioFactors<\/a> reaffirms the statin\u2013CoQ10 link. Researchers evaluated 50 statin patients for side effects such as fatigue and muscle pain. All then stopped statins and supplemented CoQ10 for 22 months on average.<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\"><a class=\"health-article-hover-class\" href=\"https:\/\/img.theepochtimes.com\/assets\/uploads\/2023\/12\/13\/id5546579-Statins-Possible-Side-Effects-1200x900.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5546579\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F12%2F13%2Fid5546579-Statins-Possible-Side-Effects-600x450.jpg&amp;w=1200&amp;q=75 alt=\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Heart function improved or held steady for a majority of patients. The researchers conclude that statin side effects, including statin cardiomyopathy, \u201care far more common than previously published and are reversible with the combination of statin discontinuation and supplemental CoQ10.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Statins Deplete Vitamin K, Raising Heart Calcification Risk<\/h2>\n<p>Statins impair the production of vitamin K, an essential vitamin in managing calcification, according to the review. Optimal vitamin K2 intake helps <a class=\"health-article-hover-class\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7238900\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">avoid plaque buildup<\/a> of atherosclerosis\u2014thickening or hardening of the arteries\u2014and keeps calcification risk low.<\/div>\n<p>Coronary calcification happens when calcium accumulates in the walls of the coronary arteries, which provide oxygen to the heart. This plaque buildup is a sign of early coronary artery disease, which can block blood flow and trigger a heart attack.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">A <a class=\"health-article-hover-class\" href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1002\/kjm2.12373\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2021 study<\/a> published in the Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences found a connection among statin use, coronary artery calcification, and vitamin K2 deficiency. The results shed light on how statins may spur arterial calcium accumulation by inhibiting vitamin K. The study\u2019s findings were \u201cin agreement with the existing evidence about positive association between statins and vascular calcification,\u201d the authors noted.<\/div>\n<p>Statins also damage selenoproteins, carriers of the mineral selenium, which is essential for heart health.<\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode\">\n<div id=\"in_article_related_stories\" class=\"border-comp-divider mb-4 mr-4 w-full max-w-[500px] border px-5 py-4 text-[16px] leading-[20px] text-[#262626] print:hidden md:float-left mptracked\">\n<div class=\"mb-3 font-sans text-[16px] font-semibold uppercase leading-[19px] text-[#2F2F2F]\">Related Stories<\/div>\n<div class=\"mb-4 flex gap-2\">\n<div class=\"grow\">\n<div class=\"mb-1 line-clamp-4 sm:line-clamp-3\">\n<div class=\"text-sm sm:text-base\">Re: \u2018Statins: The Lesser-Known Dangers, and a Good Alternative\u2019 by Vance Voetberg, Published in the Aug. 23\u201329 Edition<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-comp-caption text-[14px] leading-[18px]\">11\/8\/2023<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"shrink-0 basis-[70px] sm:basis-[120px]\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/article\/re-statins-the-lesser-known-dangers-and-a-good-alternative-by-vance-voetberg-published-in-the-aug-23-29-edition-5525993?ea_src=author_manual&amp;ea_med=related_stories\"><picture><source srcset=\"\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F12%2F27%2FEpoch-Times-Logo-300x180.jpg&amp;w=1200&amp;q=75\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/img.theepochtimes.com\/assets\/uploads\/2022\/12\/27\/Epoch-Times-Logo-300x180.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-full bg-gray-100 object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F12%2F27%2FEpoch-Times-Logo-300x180.jpg&amp;w=1920&amp;q=75\" srcset=\"\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F12%2F27%2FEpoch-Times-Logo-300x180.jpg&amp;w=750&amp;q=75 1x, \/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F12%2F27%2FEpoch-Times-Logo-300x180.jpg&amp;w=1920&amp;q=75 2x\" alt=\"Re: \u2018Statins: The Lesser-Known Dangers, and a Good Alternative\u2019 by Vance Voetberg, Published in the Aug. 23\u201329 Edition\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" data-nimg=\"1\" \/><\/picture><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mb-4 flex gap-2\">\n<div class=\"grow\">\n<div class=\"mb-1 line-clamp-4 sm:line-clamp-3\">\n<div class=\"text-sm sm:text-base\">Statins: Most Prescribed Drug With Hyped Benefits and Downplayed Side Effects<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-comp-caption text-[14px] leading-[18px]\">10\/24\/2023<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"shrink-0 basis-[70px] sm:basis-[120px]\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/health\/statins-most-used-drug-with-hyped-benefits-and-downplayed-side-effects-5497798?ea_src=author_manual&amp;ea_med=related_stories\"><picture><source srcset=\"\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F10%2F24%2Fid5515570-statin-feature-image-4-10232023-300x180.jpg&amp;w=1200&amp;q=75\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/img.theepochtimes.com\/assets\/uploads\/2023\/10\/24\/id5515570-statin-feature-image-4-10232023-300x180.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-full bg-gray-100 object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F10%2F24%2Fid5515570-statin-feature-image-4-10232023-300x180.jpg&amp;w=3840&amp;q=75\" srcset=\"\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F10%2F24%2Fid5515570-statin-feature-image-4-10232023-300x180.jpg&amp;w=3840&amp;q=75 1x\" alt=\"Statins: Most Prescribed Drug With Hyped Benefits and Downplayed Side Effects\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" data-nimg=\"1\" \/><\/picture><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Statins were also linked to increased calcification in a <a class=\"health-article-hover-class\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ahajournals.org\/doi\/10.1161\/ATVBAHA.119.313832#:~:text=Statins%20are%20capable%20of%20increasing,%E2%80%93IL%2D1%CE%B2%20signaling%20axis.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2022 study<\/a> published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. However, the authors proposed that statins may encourage calcification by heightening inflammation rather than via nutrient deficiency.<\/p>\n<h2>Physicians Overlook Statins as Driver of Heart Failure: Experts<\/h2>\n<p>Based on emerging evidence of statins\u2019 potential cardiac downsides, the authors of the new review warned that \u201cphysicians in general are not aware that statins can cause heart failure and are clearly not recognizing it.\u201d Although doctors readily diagnose heart failure in statin users, they usually attribute it to factors such as age, high blood pressure, or artery disease.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Doctors prescribing cholesterol drugs \u201ccannot ignore the moral responsibility of \u2018informed consent,\u2019\u201d the researchers wrote, noting that patients deserve full disclosure of side effects such as cardiovascular disease and heart failure.<\/p>\n<p>With more than 1 million annual heart failure hospitalizations in the United States, the condition is often referred to as an epidemic\u2014and, according to the review, it may be that \u201cstatin drug therapy is a major contributing factor.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start justify-start gap-[29px] self-stretch bg-white\">\n<div class=\"inline-flex items-start justify-start gap-3 self-stretch bg-white\">\n<div class=\"\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-flex items-start justify-start gap-3 self-stretch bg-white\">\n<div class=\"inline-flex shrink grow basis-0 flex-col items-start justify-start gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start justify-start gap-1 self-stretch\">\n<div class=\"inline-flex items-center justify-start gap-2\">\n<div class=\"flex items-start justify-start gap-0.5\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px] font-medium leading-[14px] text-black\">Mike in Boston<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative h-3.5 w-3.5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-[11px] font-normal leading-[10px] text-neutral-400\">2023-12-15<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"break-word line-clamp-5 self-stretch text-sm leading-none text-zinc-800\">\n<p>During an annual physical my cholesterol was slightly high and my PC doctor quickly wrote a script for statins, no mention whatsoever of side effects, etc.<br \/>\nAs he started toward the door I asked, \u201cWhat are the chances we could handle the problem with diet and exercise?\u201d He turned his head halfway toward me and said, \u201cnone.\u201d<br \/>\nThat was the last time I ever saw him (got a new PC) and I threw the script in the trash.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-flex items-center justify-center gap-6\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-col items-start justify-start gap-4 print:hidden\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start justify-start gap-[29px] self-stretch bg-white\">\n<div class=\"inline-flex items-start justify-start gap-3 self-stretch bg-white\">\n<div class=\"inline-flex shrink grow basis-0 flex-col items-start justify-start gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start justify-start gap-1 self-stretch\">\n<div class=\"inline-flex items-center justify-start gap-2\">\n<div class=\"flex items-start justify-start gap-0.5\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px] font-medium leading-[14px] text-black\">Terri Sanislo<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative h-3.5 w-3.5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-[11px] font-normal leading-[10px] text-neutral-400\">2023-12-15<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"break-word line-clamp-5 self-stretch text-sm leading-none text-zinc-800\">\n<p>Contrary to popular belief, the older you are, the higher your cholesterol should be.<br \/>\nStatins aid in the development of diabetes and alzheimers and peripheral neuropathy!<br \/>\nRead the book, \u201cStatin Nation.\u201d<br \/>\nDitch the statins!<br \/>\nBe your own health advocate and stop believing the doctors without question!<br \/>\nRemember what they did to you in covid!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-flex items-center justify-center gap-6\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u03a0\u0397\u0393\u0397:https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/health\/long-term-use-of-statins-linked-to-heart-disease-studies-5532644<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Long-Term Use of Statins Linked to Heart Disease: Studies A new expert review suggests that long-term use of statins may be inadvertently aiding the enemy by accelerating coronary artery calcification. (joel bubble ben\/Shutterstock) By Vance Voetberg 12\/14\/2023 Updated: 12\/28\/2023 For decades, statins have been heralded as reliable heroes in the battle against heart disease, the &hellip; <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"more-link btn\" href=\"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/?p=34107\">\u03a3\u03c5\u03bd\u03ad\u03c7\u03b5\u03b9\u03b1 \u03b1\u03bd\u03ac\u03b3\u03bd\u03c9\u03c3\u03b7\u03c2<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[85],"tags":[90],"class_list":["post-34107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-85","tag-90","item-wrap"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34107","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=34107"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34107\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34108,"href":"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34107\/revisions\/34108"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=34107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=34107"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evaggelatos.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=34107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}