When should a child start taking statins?
In children and adolescents 10 years of age or older with an LDL-C level persistently 190 mg/dL or higher (≥4.9 mmol/L) or 160 mg/dL or higher (4.1 mmol/L) with a clinical presentation consistent with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and who do not respond adequately with 3 to 6 months of lifestyle therapy, it is …
Is atorvastatin safe for children?
The results of this study suggest that atorvastatin in doses of 5–40 mg is effective and can be used safely in children with HeFH aged as young as 6 years.
Should kids take statins?
Specifically, the AAP guidelines state that statin therapy should be considered for children with low density lipoprotein (LDL) “bad” cholesterol levels greater than 190 mg/dL. In addition, drug treatment is recommended for lower LDL levels if certain cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes or obesity are present.
What age can you take atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin can be taken by adults and children over the age of 10 years. Atorvastatin isn’t suitable for some people. Tell your doctor if you: have had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin or any other medicines in the past.
What age can you stop statin?
Because strong evidence from clinical studies show the benefits of statins for adults up to age 75, doctors often prescribe them. However, no previous large studies have evaluated the safety of using statins after age 75.
Do statins age you faster?
Summary: Not only do statins extend lives by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risks of cardiovascular disease, but new research suggests that they may extend lifespans as well. Specifically, statins may reduce the rate at which telomeres shorten, a key factor in the natural aging process.
Are statins worth the risk?
While statins are highly effective and safe for most people, they have been linked to muscle pain, digestive problems and mental fuzziness in some people who take them and may rarely cause liver damage.
Why do doctors push statins drugs?
For drug therapy, statins remain the first-line of defense for patients who are at high risk for a cardiovascular event. There are four general categories recommended to determine who is at high risk for a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Do statins shorten lifespan?
On average, starting a statin brings a mean life expectancy gain of only 7 months. However, this can be viewed an entirely different way: 93% will have no gain in lifespan but 7% will have an enormous gain of 99 months.