Studies have been recently conducted and have shown that older men who have been taking statins, also known as drugs that lower cholesterol levels, appear to be a little less active when compared to those who do not take the drug. Users of Statin has logged almost 40 minutes less of activity that is only moderate, when compared to Satin nonusers. The findings serve as confirmation of older studies that found a connection between the activity drop and the intake of statin drugs like Pravachol, Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor, Vytorin and Lescol. This is according to the study’s background information. This study however, is not saying that those who are taking Statin should stop immediately because this could be very dangerous and lead to the need for urgent care clinics.
Discussing the Real Issue
Although taking statins could cause less activity, it doesn’t take away the fact that the drug is very helpful for those who need the drug and require urgent care. This was said by David Lee, who is the study’s lead author. Lee believes that the cardiovascular health’s landscape has changed throughout the past 20 years. He also said the study was conducted for people to be aware of the effects that statins could cause because when people become aware of the problem, patients can be encouraged to exert extra effort to exercise, which could eliminate the need to ask the question, “where can I find urgent care near me?”
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers started their study by analyzing data on over 3,000 men who are aged 65 or older and were recruited between the years of 2000 and 2002. With these data, authors were able to study the effect of statins on physical activity. The average age of these men was 73 and everyone was able to live independently and walk all by them selves. When the study was already launched, almost a quarter of the participants already took statins. Another quarter started taking statins within the follow-up period of seven years. Almost half of the group did not take statins at all.
Based on the responses on the survey, authors found that the activity levels declined slightly among the users and non-users of statins. The difference was that the men who were new to taking statin had an activity decline rate that was way faster than those who never tried statins.
In a conclusion of the study, authors believe that although the daily drop may seem small, it will make a lot of impact in the long run and could require urgent care clinic, which is why it is important to push yourself everyday.