Since the 1970s, almost all but a minority of the medical community has accepted the link between cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, it follows that controlling one's cholesterol level is a preventative measure against cardiovascular diseases.

Besides lifestyle changes, cholesterol-lowering medications — also called statins — can greatly improve your cholesterol level. Statins are a class of drugs that work by blocking the liver from producing cholesterol. One of the longest ever studies showed that statins reduce deaths from coronary heart disease by 28 per cent in men.

Statins may also help reabsorb cholesterol that would otherwise build up in your artery walls and cause blockages in your blood vessels.

So why are statins so controversial?

Statins may come with side effects

Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that physician should discuss the 5Ms of statins’ side effects: memory, metabolism, muscle, medication interaction, and major organ effects.

Side effects may differ among individuals. Among the most common ones are headaches, nausea, and joint and muscle aches or weakness. The more adverse side effects are an increased risk of diabetes, liver damage and cognitive problems.

Physicians acknowledge that statins, like many other medications, come with their own risks and benefits, which are well documented. Therefore, you and your physician will have to weigh the risks and benefits of statins to make sure that you really need them, and to decide which statin drug is best for you.

Statin is a lifelong commitment

Once you start taking statin medication, your cholesterol levels will most likely go down. However, statins only work as long as you're taking them. If you stop statins, your cholesterol levels will probably go back up again.

Most people are not keen to commit to a drug for life. They might try other methods, such as taking daily fibre supplements or fish oil capsules — but even if these work for you, you would probably still need to take them as consistently as a statin regime, which is for life.

That said, it is possible for some people to switch medications, decrease statin use or stop taking statins altogether. You will have to discuss these options with your doctor.

Statins are costly

Although statins can lower cholesterol, not everyone needs them. But for those who do, the cost can quickly add up, especially since statins are a lifelong commitment.

There are a number of statin drugs on the market, and several statin combinations are also available. These drugs have long been considered a goldmine for the pharmaceutical industry because those prescribed with the drugs will be lifetime customers. This has made many people believe that doctors are overprescribing statins to make a profit for themselves.

In fact, in 2003, the best-selling statin, atorvastatin, became the best-selling pharmaceutical in history. Nonetheless, because of patent expirations, there are now some statins available in the market as generics, which are less expensive. If you think statins can strain your finances, you can discuss your options with your health care and/or insurance providers.

The bottom line

Medical standards are neither set by a single research nor by speculation, but by many peer-reviewed and scientifically rigorous studies. Look into as many of these studies and find the strongest evidence, but don't forget to discuss with your physician if you still have any concerns.

Image: https://traineracademy.org/

Get the answers on statins and more. Listen to the ‘World Heart Day: Heart Clinic’ podcast:

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