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If you are at risk for developing heart disease—or even if you have already had a heart attack—taking a statin every day can help keep you healthy. People who take statins daily are much less likely of having a heart attack or dying from a heart attack or stroke.

How do statins help with heart disease?

Most people think statins are just for lowering cholesterol, but they are also a very helpful medicine for your heart and blood vessels.

Statins work to lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol, which builds up in your artery walls, making them narrow. They also increase your HDL (good) cholesterol, reduce your triglycerides and may help to prevent blood clots and inflammation inside your arteries. While taking a statin by itself is not enough to prevent heart attacks and strokes, it is an important part of your medical treatment. It is common to take other medications in addition to a statin to help protect against a heart attack or stroke. Ask your health care team about other medications that may help you.

What problems could I have taking a statin?

Most people who take this medication have few or no side effects. Some people experience mild upset stomach, gas, constipation, abdominal pain, or cramps.

Severe muscle pain (or rhabdomyolysis) is a rare side effect that happens in very few people who use statins. If you experience severe muscle pain, severe weakness, or brown urine, contact your health care professional immediately.

To reduce the risk of having problems taking a statin:

• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation (2 drinks per day for a man, and 1 for a woman). One drink = 12oz of beer, 4oz of wine or 1.5oz shot of hard liquor, such as brandy, gin, or vodka.
• Do not take a statin if you are pregnant or may become pregnant in the near future, because of the risk of birth defects.
• Avoid taking a statin if you have severe liver or kidney damage.

Can taking a statin increase my chances of liver irritation?

Most people who take statins do not develop liver problems. Blood tests are done periodically to monitor your liver function.

How do medications (in general) fit into my treatment plan?

Although medications are an important part of your treatment plan, they do not take the place of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and stress management. If you are prescribed medications by your doctor, it's important for you to take them as directed. Don't stop taking them without consulting with your doctor first. If you are experiencing side effects, your doctor may be able to change the medication or the dosage to prevent side effects. It's likely that you may need to take this medication for the rest of your life, so work with your doctor to ensure that you are taking the right medicine and dose for you.

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