Source: timesofindia.com
Atorvastatin and vitamin D have an interesting, and still not completely understood relationship. In some reports, it has been suggested that atorvastatin use can actually increase, or contribute to, an increased vitamin D status.
Also, results from various studies have shown that both the effectiveness of atorvastatin and outcomes related to atorvastatin use are improved by vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for osteoporosis and other chronic diseases, including type 1 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and ischemic heart disease. Atorvastatin are one of the most commonly prescribed medications used mainly for lowering cholesterol. However, it is also prescribed in patients with autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular conditions. A study evaluated the possible effect of atorvastatin on vitamin D levels in patients with acute ischemic heart disease. Results showed that after treatment with atorvastatin, there was a substantial decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels and an increase in vitamin D levels. This explains some of the beneficial effects of atorvastatin at the cardiovascular level that are unrelated to cholesterol levels. A study called APPE analysed the effects of vitamin D supplementation on lowering cholesterol levels. Results demonstrated that vitamin D reduced the levels of LDL cholesterol only among those taking atorvastatin.
This was the first time in lupus (a cardiac disorder), the researchers found that vitamin D status may affect response to atorvastatin in cardiovascular risk over time. Another study determined vitamin D supplementation effects on concentrations of atorvastatin and cholesterol in patients. The conclusion of the study suggested that vitamin D supplementation lowers atorvastatin concentrations yet has synergistic effects on cholesterol concentrations. One study suggested that sufficient vitamin D concentrations might be required for atorvastatin to reduce lipid levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Vitamin D is new rock star in eld of medicine. A sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for good bone and cardiac health Statins are probably the perfect team mate for optimum CV outcome. Vitamin D has synergistic effect with atorvastatin for lowering cholesterol, lupus and myocardial infarction. A perfect team work of both is best to lower incidence and reduce mortality in CV disease. Both have synergistic effects and lower side effects.
- Ref: 1. http://lupus.bmj.com/content/1/1/e000037
- Am J Cardiol. 2007 Apr 1;99(7):903-5. Epub 2007 Feb 8. 3. International Journal of Endocrinology Volume 2010 (2010), Article ID 320721,
The article has been contributed by : Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Mittal, M.D. (Medicine) Gold Medalist, Consultant Physician, Cardiologist & Endocrinologist, Mittal Clinic & Diagnostic Centre, Saharanpur.
E-mail: drsmittal1957@gmail.com