#Statins

Muscle pain is a growing concern among Thailand’s middle-aged and elderly population, with new research revealing that up to 60 percent of older adults globally endure persistent aches and strains. As Thailand’s society becomes increasingly aged, understanding effective and safe remedies for muscle pain is more crucial than ever. The latest findings, recently reported by Consumer Reports and published via The Washington Post, offer evidence-based solutions for the aches and strains that often come with aging, everyday activity, or sudden illness (Washington Post).

A new study has revealed that nearly 100,000 non-fatal heart attacks and tens of thousands of strokes could be prevented every year in the United States if more eligible patients took statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications as recommended. The research, conducted by a team at Johns Hopkins University and published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, highlights persistent gaps in adherence to clinical guidelines despite decades of evidence underscoring statins’ life-saving potential. As cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally—including in Thailand—the findings resonate far beyond the U.S., carrying crucial implications for Thai patients, healthcare providers, and public health authorities.

A groundbreaking study recently published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings has unveiled a potential new “gold standard” in cholesterol treatment, which could prevent over 330,000 deaths annually caused by cardiovascular diseases. Spearheaded by an international team led by Professor Maciej Banach from the John Paul II Catholic University in Lublin, this research represents the largest meta-analysis to date examining the efficacy of cholesterol-lowering treatments for those at high risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study found that combining statins with ezetimibe, instead of using statins alone, significantly lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol and reduces mortality from cardiovascular diseases.

Statins have long been hailed as a breakthrough in managing cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, recent discussions in medical communities and media spotlight have turned towards the potential side effects of these medications, balancing their cardiovascular benefits against other health risks. As statin use becomes increasingly common in Thailand, understanding these implications is essential for informed healthcare decisions.

Statins are primarily prescribed to individuals with high LDL cholesterol levels—often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. This type of cholesterol can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, while highly effective in reducing these cholesterol levels, statins are not devoid of potential side effects that might raise concern among users and healthcare providers.