Prelims: Current events of National and International Importance | Health
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Study finds statins, which lowers cholesterol, could bring down death rate in patients with sepsis.
Statins are a class of medications designed to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting a specific enzyme in the liver responsible for cholesterol production.
These drugs are commonly prescribed to help mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, which can arise from elevated cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
Excess cholesterol can lead to the formation of plaque on arterial walls, resulting in the narrowing or hardening of these blood vessels over time.
Certain statins have been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, by 50% or more, as high levels of LDL can obstruct blood flow by accumulating in the arteries.
In addition to lowering cholesterol, statins have been associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and stroke, and they may also play a role in reducing the likelihood of certain blood clots.
However, it is important to note that statins can interact with other medications, potentially leading to serious side effects, such as muscle damage.
Beyond their cholesterol-lowering effects, statins possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and antithrombotic properties.
It may help to alleviate excessive inflammatory responses, restore endothelial function, and exhibit potential antimicrobial activities.
