High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Your healthcare provider will consider several factors when deciding whether or not to prescribe a statin to lower your cholesterol.
The National Lipid Association recommends the use of statins for patients who have:
- Established cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as coronary artery disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease
- LDL cholesterol levels at or above 190 mg/dL
- Diabetes and an LDL cholesterol level of 70-189 mg/dL
- Without CVD but with an estimated 10-year risk of CVD greater than 7.5%
Other factors that may be considered include your age, sex, blood pressure, smoking status, and overall health.
It is important to remember that statins are just one of several ways to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Your healthcare provider may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and losing weight.
It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider to see if statins are the best options for you and also to monitor the potential side effects of the medication.
Source: Vivacare
Last updated : 1/27/2023