How quickly do statins take effect
Statins and their mechanism of action
Statins are the most commonly used class of drugs for lowering cholesterol. They work by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, which regulates cholesterol production in the liver. When cholesterol production decreases, the liver begins to take up more cholesterol from the blood via LDL receptors. This leads to a reduction in blood LDL cholesterol and lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
How quickly do statins start to work?
Statins begin to take effect in the body quite quickly:
Initial effects: within 3–5 days of starting treatment
Significant effect: within 1–2 weeks
Full effect: is usually achieved within 4–6 weeks
This means that most of the LDL-lowering effect of statins is already observed within the first month.
What effects do statins have on blood lipid values?
Statins affect several lipid values as follows:
LDL cholesterol: typically decreases by 30–55%, depending on the medication and dosage
HDL cholesterol: may increase slightly, usually by 5–10%
Triglycerides: often decrease by 10–20%
The effectiveness may vary individually. For example, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are stronger than simvastatin or pravastatin.
How is the effect monitored in practice?
The effect of statins is monitored through blood tests:
Fat values (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) are checked approximately 4–8 weeks after starting treatment
Liver tests are often done before treatment and sometimes during it, especially if the patient is at risk of liver disease
Side effects, such as muscle pain, are monitored especially in the early stages
If target values are not achieved, the doctor may increase the dose, switch to a more effective statin, or combine the medication with, for example, Ezetimibe.
What factors affect the rate of effect?
The rate of effect of statins can be influenced by:
Active substance and its dosage
Regular medication adherence
The liver's ability to metabolize the drug
Interactions with other medications
Nutrition and lifestyle, which support or weaken the treatment
Although the effect begins quickly, treatment should be continued long-term, often permanently, to maintain the results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How soon can the effects of statins be seen in blood tests?
The first changes can be seen as early as 1–2 weeks, but blood tests are usually done at 4–8 weeks.
2. Should statins be taken at the same time of day?
Most statins are recommended to be taken in the evening, as liver cholesterol synthesis is most active at night. Long-acting preparations, such as atorvastatin or rosuvastatin, can also be taken in the morning.
3.How quickly does statin reduce the risk of heart attack?
The risk of heart and stroke begins to decrease within a few weeks, but significant risk reduction is achieved with long-term use.
4. What if the statin does not seem to have an effect?
If LDL does not decrease as desired, the reason may be too low a dose, irregular use, interactions, or a genetic cause. Treatment can be intensified or changed.
5. Can you feel the effect of the statin yourself?
No, usually not. Cholesterol levels do not cause symptoms, so the effect is only visible in blood tests.Therefore, tracking is important.