⁠Statins & Cholesterol Medicines Explained

Watch Time 18 Min

Prevention

Key Takeaways

Statins lower LDL cholesterol and can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people who are likely to benefit.

People with established cardiovascular disease may have a particularly strong reason to receive cholesterol-lowering treatment.

Lifestyle measures—including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management and avoiding tobacco—remain important even when taking a statin.

If side effects occur, your clinician may consider changing the dose, switching statins or exploring other cholesterol-lowering options.

Do not stop a statin on your own; discuss concerns about side effects or long-term treatment with your healthcare professional.

Quick Summery

Statins are widely used cholesterol-lowering medicines that reduce LDL cholesterol, often called “bad” cholesterol. They work mainly by reducing the liver’s production of cholesterol and increasing its ability to remove LDL from the bloodstream. For people at appropriate cardiovascular risk, statins can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events. However, not everyone with a high cholesterol reading automatically needs a statin. The decision depends on factors such as LDL levels, age, diabetes, blood pressure, smoking, family history and previous cardiovascular disease. Some people experience muscle symptoms or other side effects, although serious complications are uncommon. If side effects occur, a clinician can review the dose, medicine or treatment approach. Statins should not be stopped or changed without medical guidance.