Should You Take a Statin?

Statins and your heart

Statins are a type of medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver. Statins are effective at reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and they are generally well-tolerated.

Who should take a statin?

The decision of whether or not to take a statin is a complex one that should be made in consultation with your doctor. Generally speaking, statins are recommended for people who are at high risk of developing heart disease or stroke. This includes people who have:

- High cholesterol levels

- High blood pressure

- Diabetes

- A family history of heart disease or stroke

- Are overweight or obese

- Smoke

- Are physically inactive

- Men over the age of 45

- Women over the age of 55

- A history of heart disease, such as a heart attack or angina

- A history of peripheral artery disease

Statin side effects

Statins can cause a variety of side effects, including:

- Muscle pain or weakness

- Nausea

- Diarrhea

- Constipation

- Headache

- Dizziness

- Rash

- Liver damage

- Kidney damage

Rarely, statins can cause serious side effects, such as:

- Rhabdomyolysis (a condition in which muscle tissue breaks down and releases harmful substances into the blood)

- Liver failure

- Kidney failure

If you experience any side effects from statins, talk to your doctor.

Statin alternatives

If you are unable to tolerate statins, there are other medications that can be used to lower cholesterol levels. These include:

- Ezetimibe (Zetia)

- Fenofibrate (Tricor)

- Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

- Niacin

- Bile acid sequestrants (Questran, Welchol, Colestid)

Lifestyle changes to lower cholesterol

In addition to medication, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to lower cholesterol levels. These include:

- Eating a healthy diet

- Getting regular exercise

- Quitting smoking

- Managing your weight

- Reducing stress

- Limiting alcohol intake

If you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about whether or not a statin is right for you.