You may have heard of or even take statins, which are medicines that lower cholesterol. If you have an increased risk
of heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, your doctor may also prescribe statins. We explain why below.
Statins work by stopping the liver from making too much cholesterol. Cholesterol can build up in your arteries and
block them, which can cause heart problems.
According to the American Heart Association, statins are the only cholesterol-lowering drug class that has been
directly linked to lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke. If you're prescribed statins, it's essential to take
them exactly as prescribed.
Some people don't take their statins as prescribed or stop taking them altogether because they're worried about side
effects, but these are often misunderstood or exaggerated.
In most cases, the benefits of taking statins are much greater than the risks. Be sure to talk with your doctor about
potential side effects and a dosage that's best for you.
Cary Shames DO, chief medical officer at Sharp Health Plan, underlines the importance of combining statins with a
heart-healthy lifestyle to get the most benefit.
“Statins will lower your numbers, but if you don't have a healthy lifestyle or diet, you won't get the benefits,”
says Dr. Shames.
Statins, while important and effective, are just one part of the whole heart-healthy picture. Combining a statin with
getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a Mediterranean diet, avoiding processed foods and
saturated fats, controlling stress levels, and not smoking can help keep your cholesterol low and your heart
healthy.
“A pill doesn't replace a healthy lifestyle. It has to be one part of the bigger picture of heart-healthy life" says
Dr. Shames.
If your doctor suggests medicine and lifestyle changes, it's important to follow their advice, get checked regularly
and make sure your cholesterol levels are under control.
Sources: Mayo Clinic; Sharp HealthCare