I take statins for cholesterol.
STA-ti-ne — three syllables, stress on first. 'Colesterolo' — ko-les-te-RO-lo.
Inform any doctor prescribing new medications. Statins have important interactions with some drugs and supplements.
'Statine' = statins — cholesterol-lowering medications. Common statins in Italy: 'atorvastatina' (Torvast, Lipitor), 'rosuvastatina' (Crestor), 'simvastatina' (Zocor). Side effects to know: muscle pain ('dolori muscolari' / 'miopatia') — rare but important. Interactions: grapefruit juice, some antibiotics (clarithromycin), antifungals, and some heart medications.
Ho dolori muscolari dall'atorvastatina.
I have muscle pain from atorvastatin.
Muscle pain (myalgia) is the most common statin side effect — report to doctor
Il mio colesterolo LDL è ancora alto nonostante le statine.
My LDL cholesterol is still high despite the statins.
Uncontrolled LDL — may need dose increase or addition of ezetimibe
Posso mangiare il pompelmo con le statine?
Can I eat grapefruit with statins?
Grapefruit inhibits CYP3A4 — significantly increases statin blood levels, dangerous
High cholesterol ('ipercolesterolemia') is common in Italy — Italian diet, despite being Mediterranean, often includes significant saturated fats from cheese, cured meats, and butter in northern regions. Cardiovascular disease remains Italy's leading cause of death. Italian cardiologists follow ESC guidelines for LDL targets: <70 mg/dL for very high-risk patients, <100 mg/dL for high-risk. The Italian SSN reimburses statins with a prescription for all adults with cardiovascular risk factors.