Statins have become the most prescribed drugs used to manage high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). The FDA approved the first statin in 1987,1 and due to their proven effectiveness and safety, they are widely used.
What Statins Do
Cholesterol is the primary cause of atherosclerosis, commonly called hardening of the arteries. This happens when cholesterol, fat, blood cells, and other substances in the blood build up as plaque in the arteries.2
Plaque can block blood flow and cause an inflammatory response as it builds up in the blood vessels. Reduced blood flow leads to your muscles and vital organs not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients to work properly. This can cause chest pain, a heart attack, or a stroke. Statins help lower the amount of cholesterol in your blood to keep it flowing freely.
How Statins Work
Some blood cholesterol comes from food, but most is made by the liver. Statins lower liver cholesterol production, help remove blood cholesterol, and decrease artery wall inflammation that can cause blockages.
When Should I Take Statins?
The decision to begin taking statins usually depends on several factors, including your cholesterol levels, risk of heart disease, age, and overall health.
Doctors often recommend statins for individuals with:
- High cholesterol levels that do not improve with lifestyle or diet changes.
- A history of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes.
- Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease.
- A family history of heart disease.
Discussing the benefits and risks of starting statin therapy with your healthcare provider is essential.
Are Statins Safe to Take for a Long Time?
Statins are generally safe for long-term use and are often prescribed for lifelong treatment. However, like all medications, they can cause side effects in some people. Most common side effects3 of statins include:
- Headaches
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Digestive issues
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- High blood sugar levels
- Low platelet levels
The significant benefit of taking statins to prevent heart attacks and strokes likely outweighs the small risk of elevated blood sugar. Like any medication, working closely with your doctor to monitor your health and address any concerns during treatment is crucial.
For older adults, statins provide a safe and effective way to manage cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Certainly, statins aren’t the only way to reduce high cholesterol risk. A combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can also be effective.
Deciding whether to use a statin is important, but clinical experience has demonstrated their effectiveness and safety. They remain the main method for combating cardiovascular disease.
To talk with a cardiologist about ways to prevent or manage heart disease, click HERE.
References
- Harrington, MD, Robert A. January 2017. Statins – Almost 30 Years of use in The US. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2583424
[↩] - American Heart Association. February 2024. What is Cholesterol? https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol[↩]
- Billingsley, Alysssa. July 2024. 10 Statin Side Effects You Should Know About” https://www.goodrx.com/classes/statins/statin-side-effects?srsltid=AfmBOorvs_u5rgnD80GtKYkV7GdCEB_WJDyzYejbYSDvAPADXCqtcmg3#statin-side-effects-list[↩]
