Deciding if a Statin is Right Treatment to Reduce Your Risk for Heart Disease

Heart disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and statins are a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Statins work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol. They are effective at reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Before starting statin therapy, your doctor will consider your overall health, including your cholesterol levels, age, and other risk factors for heart disease. They may also order blood tests to check your liver function and assess your risk for muscle damage.

While statins are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, they can cause side effects, including muscle pain and weakness, digestive problems, and increased risk of diabetes. For this reason, doctors typically reserve statins for people who have a high risk of heart disease or who have already had a heart attack or stroke.

If you are considering statin therapy, it’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor. They can help you weigh the potential benefits of reducing your risk of heart disease against the potential risks of side effects from the medication. In addition, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking can also help reduce your risk of heart disease.