What Are Statins Used For?

Taking care of your cardiovascular health (heart health) means knowing how to manage your cholesterol. Statins are one of the most important medicines developed for heart disease prevention. 

They have helped millions of people lower their cholesterol and reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes. Since their introduction, statins have offered a proven path to better heart health and transformed cardiovascular care.

What are statins?

Statins are medicines that lower cholesterol in your blood. Your body produces cholesterol naturally, but sometimes it makes too much or struggles to process it properly. Extra cholesterol can build up in your arteries, forming plaques. These plaques block blood flow to your heart and other vital organs.

Statins lower cholesterol and help prevent these blockages. Healthcare providers usually prescribe them when diet and exercise alone are not enough to control cholesterol.

What do statins do in your body?

Statins block an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase in the liver that helps make cholesterol. When cholesterol production decreases, the liver removes more LDL cholesterol from the blood.

This two-step process lowers cholesterol in the bloodstream and improves heart health. Most people see results within a few weeks. Emerging research also suggests that statins may reduce inflammation and improve how your blood vessels work.

What are the risks of taking statins?

Like all medicines, statins can have side effects. The most common ones are:

• Muscle pain or weakness
• Stomach problems
• Headaches

Most people experience few or no side effects, but about 1 in 10 notice mild problems that typically resolve as their body adjusts to the medication.

Rarely, statins can cause serious muscle or liver problems. About 1%–2% of people taking statins may get higher liver enzymes. Doctors will monitor this with regular blood tests. If problems are found early, they usually resolve themselves without lasting damage. Some people notice memory trouble or confusion, but these side effects often go away once the medicine is stopped.

If you experience any side effects, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider.

What foods cannot be eaten with statins?

Some foods and drinks can interfere with statins:

• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can raise the level of certain statins in your blood, which can be dangerous.
• Excessive alcohol intake can strain your liver.
• High-fat meals can affect the absorption of certain statins.
• Red yeast rice supplements act like natural statins and can cause overdosing if taken with prescription statins.

Always tell your doctor about the foods, drinks and supplements you use.

Can you get off statins once you start them?

While statins aren't necessarily lifetime commitments, stopping them affects your cardiovascular risk profile and should never be done without consulting your healthcare provider. Cholesterol usually goes back up within weeks if you stop. This can increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Sometimes, people can reduce or stop statins after big lifestyle changes, like eating healthier, losing weight and exercising more. But this needs close medical guidance.

In certain cases, such as during pregnancy planning, pregnancy or if side effects are severe, your doctor may pause your statin treatment.

Age, overall health status and individual risk factors all influence the decision to continue or discontinue statin therapy. What works for one patient may not be appropriate for another. This personalized approach ensures you receive the most appropriate care for your unique situation.

Remember that managing cholesterol is a partnership between you and your healthcare team. Regular monitoring, open communication about side effects or concerns and sticking to your treatment plan all contribute to your success. With the right approach, statins can help you achieve your cardiovascular health goals and enjoy a more active, healthier future.

The decision to start or continue statin therapy should always involve a discussion with your healthcare provider, who can assess your individual risk factors, review potential benefits and risks and help you make the most informed choice for your long-term health.