Taken as tablets or capsules, statins are prescription medications that help bring cholesterol down to normal levels. Statins work by blocking the action of an enzyme in the liver that’s responsible for producing cholesterol.
Some statins may reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDL)—the “bad” cholesterol that causes plaque build-up in the arteries which may lead to a heart attack or stroke—by 50% or more.1 Statins may also increase high-density lipoproteins (HDL), the “good” variety that moves cholesterol to the liver and flushes it out of the body.2
Overall, statins lower LDL and total cholesterol levels while also lowering triglycerides (fats in the blood) and raising HDL levels.3 Statins may also help to stabilize arterial plaques, reducing the likelihood of a heart attack.4
Who needs to take statin medication?
Based on their risk factors for heart disease, an estimated that 15 to 20 million people should be taking statin drugs, over and above those already on a statin regimen.5 With a simple blood test, a doctor can determine the amount of cholesterol in a patient’s blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol indicate a greater risk of heart disease, especially when there are other health and lifestyle factors that increase that patient’s risk.6 After considering the overall risk factors, the doctor may recommend statins to help lower cholesterol levels by a certain amount.7
Treatment with statins is based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the level of cholesterol. A doctor may prescribe a statin for a patient who can’t reduce a high LDL number (above 190) with diet and exercise.8 Likewise, a patient who is 40 to 75 years of age, has diabetes or a high risk of heart disease, and an LDL cholesterol number of at least 70 may receive a statin prescription.9
How do statins help seniors?
Doctors prescribe statins to help prevent heart attack, stroke and other consequences of heart disease, which is the most common cause of death in the United States, affecting 1 in 3 Americans.10 The benefits of statins to people up to age 75 have been demonstrated in various clinical studies.11
More recently, a study supported by the National Institute on Aging and reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people aged 75 years and older who start taking statins may have a lower risk of dying from heart disease than other seniors in the same age group who don’t take the drugs.12
General guidelines for taking statins
People who have been prescribed statins to help lower their cholesterol may find it helpful to follow these general guidelines for taking their medicine:13
- Take all pills or capsules as directed
- Don’t stop taking statins without consulting the doctor
- Read the label carefully to determine if statin can be taken with or without food
- Store all statins in a cool, dry place and out of reach of children
In addition to taking medication, patients are recommended to:
- Follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise
- Manage stress
- Stop smoking
What are the risks of taking statins?
While some people who take them experience side effects, most tolerate statins very well.14
The most common side effects related to statins include:15
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness or nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Rash
Less common side effects may include hair loss, inflammation of the liver or pancreas, neuropathy (nerve damage), high blood sugar and lower libido.16
As with most modern pharmaceuticals, the benefits of taking statins outweigh their risks.17 Statins help prevent heart attack and stroke, while the risk of life-threatening side effects is very low.18 If there is a downside to taking statins, it may be that blood sugar can increase and lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.19 Though the risk is small, it’s important enough to warrant an FDA warning on statin labels.20
How to get relief from statin side effects
There are several ways to relieve the side effects related to taking statins. An individual seeking such relief, after first talking with their doctor, may want to:21
- Take a break from statins to see if they’re the cause of muscle aches or other side effects
- Consult with the doctor and try a different statin or dose
- Gradually change exercise routines and skip intense workouts
- Take supplements of Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that some have found effective
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Sources:
1“Statins,” Cleveland Clinic, last accessed July 11, 2023,
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3Debra F. Bruce, PhD, “Statin Side Effects,” WebMD, last accessed July 11, 2023,
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10“Using Statins For First Time May Reduce Risk of Death,” National Institute on Aging, last accessed July 11, 2023,
11“Using Statins For First Time May Reduce Risk of Death.”
12“Using Statins For First Time May Reduce Risk of Death.”
13“How To Take Statins,” National Library of Medicine, last accessed July 11, 2023,
14“Statin Side Effects.”
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16“Statin Side Effects.”
17R. Todd Hurst, MD, “Considering Statins? What a Cardiologist Wants You to Know,” WebMD, last accessed July 11, 2023,
18“Statin side effects: weigh the benefits and risks,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed July 11, 2023,
19“Statin side effects: weigh the benefits and risks.”
20“Statin side effects: weigh the benefits and risks.”
21“Statin Side Effects.”
Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization and a stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Humana is also a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.
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