Do You Need to Take Statins?
For millions of Americans, statins play a vital role in reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events. Statins are prescription medications that many people take to reduce their cholesterol levels.
For some individuals, statins can improve cholesterol levels by lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, by 50%. They can also reduce triglycerides, a common type of fat found in the blood, and support the liver in removing excess cholesterol from the body. Additionally, statins may raise levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the “good” cholesterol that helps protect against heart disease.
Different brands of statins are available, as well as generic forms that cost less. They come in the form of tablets or capsules that you take at the same time each day, with or without food. Types of statin drugs include:
Atorvastatin (Caduet® or Lipitor®)
Fluvastatin
Lovastatin (Mevacor® or Altoprev™)
Pitavastatin (Livalo® or Zypitamag®)
Pravastatin
Rosuvastatin (Crestor® or Ezallor Sprinkle®)
Simvastatin (FloLipid®, Vytorin® or Zocor®)
Statins can help people bring their cholesterol into normal range, particularly when eating a healthier diet and getting more exercise aren’t doing enough to help. Healthcare providers look at a patient’s individual risks of heart and blood vessel disease when deciding whether they need a statin medication.
Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol and using tobacco products all increase a person’s risk of heart disease. Age, gender and family history are also contributing factors, and even adults and teens can take statins.
Yet despite their effectiveness, some people consider stopping statin therapy. According to Medical News Today, people stop taking statins for several reasons—some due to actual or perceived side effects, and others because they believe they no longer need the medication. While most individuals tolerate statins well, some experience mild to moderate muscle pain, fatigue or increased blood sugar levels.
In fact, a 2019 study found that statins were linked to a slightly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly among individuals with prediabetes. However, the cardiovascular benefits generally outweigh this risk, especially in people who already have heart disease or are at high risk.
Additionally, people who adopt healthier habits—such as a better diet, regular physical activity and weight loss—may assume they can stop taking their medication. While lifestyle changes are absolutely beneficial, they may not eliminate the need for statins, especially for those with a personal or family history of heart disease.
What happens when you stop taking statins? Discontinuing statins can lead to a rapid rebound in LDL cholesterol levels. Over time, this can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The body may also lose some of the protective anti-inflammatory effects that statins provide.
Another significant study analyzed 45,000 individuals and found that those who stopped taking statins within six months of an ischemic stroke were 42% more likely to have another stroke within 6–18 months. This highlights just how critical ongoing medication can be, especially for those with existing cardiovascular disease.
Another concern arises when people start feeling better or assume their numbers have improved, and then falsely believe they no longer need medication. But statins are a long-term treatment, not a quick fix, and stopping them too soon can undo years of progress.
If you're dealing with uncomfortable side effects, don’t stop taking your medication on your own. Instead, talk with your doctor about options. They may suggest lowering your dosage, switching to a different type of statin or trying an alternative treatment altogether.
As Medical News Today explains, alternatives include:
PCSK9 inhibitors, which help the liver absorb more LDL cholesterol from the blood
Selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors, which block cholesterol from being absorbed in the small intestine
Bile acid sequestrants and other therapies for individuals who are statin-intolerant
You may also be advised to revisit your lifestyle habits. While not a replacement for medication, improvements in nutrition, exercise, stress management and smoking cessation can support your heart health and, in some cases, complement lower doses of medication.
Employers can play a vital role in supporting the long-term health and well-being of their team. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., and taking prescribed medications can be a key part of prevention. You may wish to:
Promote preventive screenings: Partner with a health plan or wellness vendor to offer on-site or virtual screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose. Early detection empowers employees to take action and helps their doctors determine whether statins or other interventions are needed.
Educate without stigma: Use internal newsletters, webinars or guest speakers to share evidence-based information about statins and heart health. Highlight resources from trusted sources such as the American Heart Association, and encourage employees to have open conversations with their providers.
Offer wellness incentives: Encourage healthy habits and programs that reward regular physical activity, healthy eating or stress reduction. These activities can not only improve outcomes, but also build a culture of well-being.
Every person’s health story is different. Some people need statins as a lifelong therapy. Others may safely reduce their dose under careful supervision. Either way, changes to your medication plan should always be made in partnership with a healthcare provider who understands your unique risk factors, screening test results and medical history.
Pacific Federal is a Zenith American company and subsidiary of Harbour Benefit Holdings, Inc.
