Millions of people could be forced to permanently cut a specific food from their diets to avoid serious heart complications, according to medical experts. Failing to do so could result in a potentially "toxic" reaction developing within the body.
Statins, a widely prescribed medication commonly given to those with high cholesterol levels, are taken by approximately seven to eight million people across the UK, according to the British Heart Foundation. These once-daily tablets work by reducing cholesterol production and removing LDL, commonly referred to as 'bad cholesterol', from the bloodstream.
Keeping this 'silent killer' in check is crucial, as raised cholesterol typically shows no warning signs until it has reached a considerably advanced stage. Should your blood vessels become blocked, this significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Statins work by restricting the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver while helping it to remove existing cholesterol from the blood. They also help to stabilise plaque, a waxy substance that can accumulate within arterial walls, and can reduce inflammation throughout the arteries.
The NHS says that the vast majority of people taking statins will likely need to continue doing so for the rest of their lives. Should the treatment be stopped for any reason, cholesterol levels may gradually begin to rise once more.
Patients taking statins must be aware that certain foods and drinks are not suitable to consume alongside their medication. One surprising item that is frequently overlooked is grapefruit, which should be avoided during statin therapy, as reported by Bristol Live.
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