Statins for High CholesterolSkip to the navigationExamplesStatins
How It WorksStatins block an enzyme the body needs to produce cholesterol . As a result, LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in the blood go down, thereby lowering total blood cholesterol levels. Statins help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Along with reducing cholesterol levels in the blood, statins reduce inflammation around the cholesterol buildup (called a plaque). By stabilizing the plaque, there is less risk that it will rupture and cause a blood clot that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. How Well It WorksStatins lower the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Statins lower the risk of a heart attack and stroke in people who have heart disease or peripheral arterial disease, had a heart attack, or had a stroke. Statins can also lower risk in people who have risk factors such as high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. footnote 1 Side EffectsAll medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine. Here are some important things to think about:
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
Call your doctor right away if you have hives. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a rare muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis :
The most common side effect of statins is muscle aches. A less common side effect is diabetes. Statins may slightly raise the risk of diabetes in some people. See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.) What To Think AboutBefore taking this medicine, tell your doctor all of the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements. If you have muscle aches when you start this medicine, tell your doctor. The aches may go away with time. Or you might be able to try a lower dose or a different statin medicine. A heart-healthy lifestyle is important for lowering your risk whether you take statins or not. This includes eating healthy foods, being active, staying at a healthy weight, and not smoking. Taking medicineMedicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk. There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed. Advice for womenDo not use this medicine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant. If you need to take this medicine, talk to your doctor about how you can prevent pregnancy. CheckupsFollow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication. References
Current as of: July 26, 2016 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Stone NJ, et al. (2013). 2013 ACC/AHA guideline on the treatment of blood cholesterol to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk in adults: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation, published online November 12, 2013. DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000437738.63853.7a. Accessed November 18, 2013.
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