Q&A: statins for cholesterol plaque; antidepressant overuse; Ozempic side effects and rebound, & who needs the pneumonia shot

Welcome to November! 🍁

ICYMI 👉

• Managing Election Anxiety (Regardless of Your Politics)

• Understanding Breast Cancer: Risk Factors, Prevention & Early Detection

• My Favorite Things at the Pharmacy: Cold & Flu Edition

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In this week’s reader-submitted Q&A, we’re tackling these questions:

• Do statins dissolve cholesterol plaque in my arteries?

• Are antidepressants overprescribed?

• What will happen if I stop Ozempic?

• Do I need the pneumonia shot?

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📣 You can now submit your questions for a future Q&A in two ways! 📣

• Click here to write me your question. ✍️

• Click here to record your question directly from your phone or computer. 🎤

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are entirely my own. They are not a substitute for advice from your personal physician.

Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash

The following subscriber questions have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

QUESTION #1: STATINS

My doctor prescribed a statin (crestor) for my cholesterol and heart health because apparently I have cholesterol in my arteries (although minimal). My question is - does the statin *dissolve* the cholesterol plaques over time? Is there anything that gets rid of it? Any advice appreciated.

- Luke P. 

Hi Luke, 

No, statins such as Rosuvastatin (Crestor) or Atorvastatin (Lipitor) do not directly dissolve cholesterol plaque. They are not like Drain-O for clogged drain pipes! There isn’t any medication that can reverse the existence of plaque. So, how do statins work to protect blood vessels? They work by lowering levels of LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”) to reduce further plaque accumulation. Statins also help stabilize existing cholesterol plaque by reducing inflammation within the blood vessels. This reduces the risk of plaque rupture, which is a major cause of heart attacks. Last, statins can help improve the function of the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelium), making them more resilient to injury and less prone to inflammation.

In conjunction with regular exercise, a low-cholesterol, high-fiber diet, statins are a vital tool for people with risk factors for heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis.

I hope that helps!

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If you would like a paid subscription but it’s not in your budget (or if you are a family member, friend, or patient who should be getting it free!), please message me directly. ❤️

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QUESTION #2: ANTIDEPRESSANT OVERUSE

Do you think antidepressants are overprescribed? Curious.

- Lisa K

Dear Lisa,