Why taking statins if cholesterol is normal?

Statins help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, in the blood. They draw cholesterol out of plaque and stabilize plaque, Blaha says.

What are the pros and cons of taking statins?

Doctors commonly prescribe them to reduce cholesterol. Lowering high cholesterol reduces the risk of serious conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. Most people tolerate statins well….Statin side effects

• muscle aches and pain.
• cramps and stiffness.
• muscle weakness.
• joint or bone pain.
• memory problems.
• tiring easily.

Why are statins controversial?

Controversy around the use of statins for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is once again in the news, with a new analysis suggesting that statin use in low-risk patients “may be an example of low value care (having little benefit and potential to cause harm) in these patients and, in some cases.

What is the downside of taking statins?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common side effect of statins is muscle and joint aches and pains. The medication can also cause nausea and vomiting. More serious side effects include liver and kidney damage, an increase in blood sugar, and neurological side effects.

Can a healthy person take statins?

The trial’s results suggest that giving even healthy people statins will help prevent heart attacks. But before rushing out to the doctor for a prescription, there are words of caution to heed.

Why do people dislike statins?

The most common include digestive problems, fatigue, cramps, and muscle pain (myalgias). A 2005 study found that over 10 percent of people taking high-dose statins had muscle pain. These side effects, depending on severity, can lead some to stop taking their medication.

What is the downside to taking statins?

Do statins actually lower cholesterol?

Statins are drugs that can lower your cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol isn’t the only benefit associated with statins. These medications have also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

Do the benefits of taking statins outweigh the risks?

However, the benefit of taking a statin may outweigh that risk. People with diabetes who take statins have much lower risks of heart attacks. Muscle cell damage. Very rarely, high-dose statin use can cause muscle cells to break down and release a protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. This can lead to severe muscle pain and kidney damage.

Why do statins cause diabetes?

Researchers have no idea why. Statins do come with side effects, the most frequent being muscle weakness, although it affects a very small percent of people taking them. However, a recent study did find a moderately increased risk of developing diabetes.

Why do doctors prescribe statins for high cholesterol?

Doctors often prescribe statins for people with high cholesterol to lower their total cholesterol and reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Do statins help narrow arteries?

People with narrow arteries who take statins can cut their risk of heart attack or stroke in half. But new research finds that only 6 percent of these patients are taking the drug as recommended by a doctor.