1. Statins Vs. Natural Therapies By: Elena Levy CFHS ISM- HEALTH 5/12/14

2.  Statins are cholesterol lowering medicine, designed to help lower the risk of heart disease.  Statins have been known to have caused cognitive impairment, like muscle and joint pain, aid in the increased risk of raised blood sugar and contribute to an increased chance of diabetes. (FDA 1)

5. What are Statins doing?  Statins take control of an enzyme, called “HMG-CoA reductase”, which helps to control the livers production of cholesterol. The statin overcomes the HMG-CoA, taking charge of the production of cholesterol, working to slow the production down.  A Patient would be prescribed a Statin if their doctor sees their cholesterol to be dangerous or potentially dangerous.

6. Statin Example  Lipitor is a very common Statin designed to help lower triglycerides and raise good cholesterol, and raise HDLs.  While Lipitor may seem helpful, it is thought to have long term or periodical effects.  A patient should not be taken Lipitor if they have any history of liver or heart disease, muscle problems, or a dis-functioning thyroid.

7. Examples of Natural Therapies  Niacin is a B vitamin that collects extra LDL in the blood and takes it to the liver for disposal.  Red Yeast Rice extract obstructs the production of cholesterol in the body.  Fish Oil lowers triglycerides and LDL.

8. Stephen Sinatra’s Input  Stephen Sinatra, a well known cardiologist, nutritionist and anti ageing specialist, stated that he “firmly believed that complementary therapies, such as vitamins, antioxidants, nutritional supplements, and others natural options, when combined with traditional medicine offer a patient more then the standard care, with would include the daily handout of Statin medication.

9. 1.The Jupiter Trial was a medical trial done by Harvard Medical School to justify the use of Statins in primary prevention. 4. “our major risk factors for developing diabetes: metabolic syndrome, impaired fasting glucose, body-mass index 30 kg/m (2) or higher, or glycated haemoglobin A (1c) greater than 6%.” (Harvard,1.)) 2. Administrators gave participants, who before the trial were without cardiovascular disease or diabetes free, either 20 mg of Rosuvastatin, or a placebo. ** All random. 3. Participants followed up 5 yrs. later for the primary endpoint, so administrators could gather findings. Patients were organized by either having or not having:

10.  Participants who received the Statin seemed to benefit, regardless of their health status prior to the trial.  The data proved that Statin medication can be beneficial, also providing the first real evidence that statins aid in “reducing venous thrombosis.” The ideal person for receiving a Statin would be a patient who has a history of bad eating habits, or low exercise, or even family history of high cholesterol.

11. Increase use of Statins Studies have shown that almost up to 50% of men as 65 to 75 use statins and almost 40% of women use Statins. Almost every one in fourth person over the age of 45 has taken or is taking a Statin, which comes to about 32 million people The death rate caused by heart disease has decreased in the past eleven years.

12. Does Age effect Statin Intake?  After a study on Statin was taken with different age groups stating whether they take Statins or not, this graph was drawn up. *Last done in 2008.

15. The American Diet has improved now that Health research has shown the effect food and nutrition has on the body.

16. Does age effect Statin intake?  Older people may tend to have a higher intake of Statins based off the fact that they have had more time to raise their bad cholesterol, or have become more wary of their life span.  Test as big as the ones done by Harvard Medical School have not been done using natural medications, like Niacin or Fish Oil, not even testing over a short time period rather then 11 years like this test done.

17. What makes a Statin different then a Natural Therapy?  Takes control of the bodies natural production of cholesterol, causing it to slow down or stop completely. o Tends to help target one part of the body, supporting healthy production of the cholesterol related problem.

18.  Omega-3 is a nutritional supplement that benefits heart health, as well as aid in regulating cholesterol levels.  Harvard researchers found that if a less then 4% Omega-3 index was present, there was a 10 times risk of sudden cardiac death.  On the other hand, people with Omega-3 levels above 6.1% had a 90% risk reduction of cardiac death.

19. Health Diagnostics Laboratory Health Diagnostics Laboratory suggested ideal range for Omega-3 Total is “0.1%- - 14.1%”, in addition to their optimal range being “equal to or above 8.0% and the high risk range being less than 4.0%.” Health Diagnostic Laboratory is a blood test that can detect early signs of cardiac disease and diabetes, or illnesses related to those two.

20.  The saying “It’s a Lifestyle” is true! How a person takes care of their body both internally and externally predicts their outcome.  Lifestyle would include  Diet  Exercise  Both of these are proven to increase a person’s life span.

21. A Well-Rounded Diet VEGGIES FRUITS GRAINS PROTEINS DAIRY HEALTHY FATS

22. DIET  Foods that are rich in Omega-3 that are known to help lower cholesterol, which also lower risk of cardiac disease, are flaxseed, soybeans, and fish.  Fatty acids, or unsaturated fats, are essential to a person’s diet but in moderation and must be consumed since the body doesn’t produce them naturally.  A high consumption of Cholesterol rich foods as well as foods high in Trans fat are related to heart disease and diabetes, which leads to the most popular disease in the country; obesity.

23. Diet and Exercise Stats  Studies have shown that “Sixty-eight percent of deaths in the United States are related to fat consumption and diet, including heart disease (44% of deaths), cancer (22%) and diabetes (2%).” (Gale, Farmington).  Exercise, even in minimum quantity can help to lower the risk of death by decreasing weight, reducing risk of contracting a disease or condition, increasing muscle strength and endurance. -30 Minutes a day is the recommended amount of time to spend exercising.

24. 23 and ½ Hours By: Dr.Evans  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaI nS6HIGo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaI nS6HIGo Start at :55, go to 2:45 Dr.Evans studies have made him to believe that out of the 24 hours in a day, 30 minutes of it should be spent on exercise and that 30 minutes can lead to a longer life.

25.  Hypertension is related to high cholesterol, because when arteries become clogged and hardened from cholesterol plaque, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the arteries, causing high blood pressure. Based off of Mark C. Houston M.D.’s research, a high intake of non-animal protein can lower blood pressure and a reduced intake of sodium can lower blood pressure.

26.  Vitamin B-6 and Co-Q-10 are known to be beneficial in lowering cholesterol naturally, as well as aiding in hypertension. In fact, Patients who decide to user Co-Q-10 rather then a statin medication “can stop or reduce the number of antihypertensive drugs by one to three drugs.” (Houston)  Some foods that reduce BP risk would be Seaweed, Dark Chocolate, Celery, and Fish.

27. A healthy diet and a regular dose of exercise can help to prevent high cholesterol, and lower the need to use any form of Statin or natural therapy.

28. Conclusion  Based off of studies that have been done and research carried out, it is true to say that Statins can be helpful and aid in lowering cholesterol, but natural therapies should be used instead because they’re safer and more beneficial.  The future of Natural Therapies is hopeful, and has potential to become more popular than Statins.  Lifestyle and living naturally is key to a long and happy life.

29. Thank you for attending my presentation on Statins Vs. Natural Therapies. I’d like to Thank my Mentor, Dr.Johnston, my audience, my advisor, Mrs.Robin Holk, and anyone who helped me along the way. Are There Any Questions? Thank you and have a wonderful evening!