All About Statins

Statins are medicines that are prescribed to help protect healthy, but high-risk, people from heart disease.

They're also used to prevent repeated problems in people who have already had a heart attack, a stroke or peripheral artery disease.

They are often in the news and you may have seen recent media reports on possible side effects from statins. Read on for everything you need to know about how they work, as well as the benefits and possible side effects.

So how do they work?

Statins reduce the amount of cholesterol produced in the body.

Your body produces cholesterol naturally, and it’s essential for many of your systems to work, but too much cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.

Statins reduce the amount of cholesterol that your cells make, forcing them to instead gather cholesterol from your blood stream, and thereby reducing your blood cholesterol level.

What are the benefits of taking statins?

Statins reduce the levels of ‘bad cholesterol’ – the low-density lipoprotein or LDL. High levels of LDL can lead to the build up of fatty deposits in your arteries and can lead to coronary heart disease.

A large amount of research has shown that lowering blood cholesterol reduces your risk of heart disease and heart attacks.

Do statins have side effects?

Like all medicines, statins carry potential side effects,but the side effects of statins are usually mild, easy to recognise, reversible and very rarely dangerous. Statins are among the safest drugs and one of the most studied medicines available today.

Because statins target the liver cells, your liver function will be tested before you start taking statins and then reviewed a few months later. If your liver function is affected, your doctor may want to reduce your dose or change your statin.

Some people experience muscle pain, but this usually stops soon after taking the statin. If it doesn’t, you should tell your GP. Your GP may want to reduce the dose of the statin or switch to a different one.

Very rarely, muscles can leak protein that may build up in the kidneys, and this can cause a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis. It is very rare though and affects about one in every 100,000 people.

Do statins increase my risk of Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimers?

No. There is no evidence that statins cause these conditions. Some research has identified an association, but often associations between diseased and medicines often turn out to be a coincidental link.

My doctor changed my statin. What is the difference between statins?

All statins do the same job, but different types have slightly different chemical structures. This means that if you’re sensitive to one, you might not be to another. Statins have evolved, and newer drugs such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are stronger than older ones.

Lots of people don’t need a strong statin to reduce their cholesterol and your doctor will find the right statin for you depending on your medical history and your cholesterol target.

Since simvastatin came ‘off-patent’ it has become cheaper, prompting doctors to swap some people from more expensive statins. Simvastatin is adequate for most people, but you should have a blood test after any change of statin.

Do I have to take statins for life?

Most people take statins on a long-term basis. As your body will always produce cholesterol, if you stop taking a statin it is likely your cholesterol levels will rise.

Can I buy statins over the counter?

Low-dose statins are available at pharmacies but these are not a substitute for prescription statins. If you are at high risk of heart disease, your doctor should prescribe a statin for you.

When should I take my statin?

As cholesterol is produced when you’re asleep, you should take them before bed if you can. It’s important to take medicines regularly, and so find a time that works for you and stick to it.

Do I need to avoid any foods or other drugs

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication as other drugs might affect them. If you’re taking simvastatin, avoid grapefruit - both whole and juice – as it contains a compound which blocks its breakdown.

Are statins safe and effective for women?

Yes. Studies so far show that statins are equally safe and effective for men and women. If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you shouldn’t take statins. If you’re already taking statins but would like to become pregnant, speak to your doctor first.

Do I have a choice about taking statins?

No one will force you to take any drug, but keep in mind that a statin will reduce your risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack.

Most people who are offered statins have at least a one in five chance of having a heart attack in the next ten years. This risk is substantially reduced by taking a statin.

How else can I lower my cholesterol?

To help reduce your cholesterol level, you need to cut down on saturated fats and trans fats and replace them with monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.

You should also reduce the total amount of fat you eat. Eating a balanced diet and taking regular physical activity can also help to improve your cholesterol level.

Where can I find further information about statins?

Visit our Publications section to download our Medicines for the Heart booklet.

If you have any further questions about statins, please call our Heart Help Line on 0300 330 3311 (local rate number). Lines are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

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