Who it's for: People with LDL ≥190 mg/dL, diabetes, high cardiovascular risk, or established ASCVD.
Find what's right for you — take the quizStatins are the most outcome-proven LDL-lowering therapy. The CTT Collaboration meta-analysis showed that more intensive LDL lowering with statins reduces major vascular events.
The Heart Protection Study (HPS) demonstrated broad cardiovascular benefits in high-risk patients with simvastatin.
JUPITER showed that rosuvastatin reduced major cardiovascular events in selected primary prevention patients.
The 2026 ACC/AHA guideline reinforces statins as first-line therapy for appropriate-risk patients.
— Pregnancy: Statins are contraindicated during pregnancy.
— Liver disease: Discuss with your clinician; monitoring may be needed.
— Muscle symptoms (SAMS): Real but often manageable — talk to your doctor about adjustments.
— Diabetes risk: Small increase exists, but cardiovascular benefit typically outweighs this.
Large studies have not shown a link between statins and dementia. Some initial reports were not confirmed by rigorous research.
LDL typically rises when a statin is stopped. Discuss any changes with your clinician.
Options include dose reduction, switching statins, or alternatives like bempedoic acid. Your doctor can help troubleshoot.