These medicines can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD),heart attack, andstroke.
Statins are available only by prescription, and brands include Lipitor, Crestor, and Zocor.
What Are Statins?
Statins are cholesterol-lowering medicines that:
[1]
What Conditions Do Statins Treat?
[2]
[3]
Healthcare providers can also prescribe statins off-label for some conditions.
Who Needs Statins?
If your risk of CVD is over 10 percent, statins may not lower your risk enough.
They may change your prescription or the dose.
How Do Statins Work?
[6]
Statins can help:
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Statins?
If youre experiencing unwanted symptoms, your healthcare provider may suggest a different medication.
Are There Any Risks Related to Statins?
But its possible they may be prescribed if youre at high risk for cardiovascular problems.
Diabetes
[9]
[10]
Experts call this a slight risk.
Drug Interactions
Some statins interact with other medications.
If youre concerned about your cholesterol levels or about statins youre already taking speak with your healthcare provider.
From 2015 to 2023, Yvette worked as a health information editor at Medical News Today and Healthline.
