Statins are medicines that reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by helping to lower cholesterol (“koh-LEHS-tuh-rahl”) levels in the blood.
Experts recommend that you take a statin if all 3 of these statements are true:
- You are age 40 to 75.
- You have high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, or you smoke.
- Your doctor has decided that you are at high risk for heart attack and stroke.
Statins aren’t right for everyone, and all medicines have pros and cons. When you talk with your doctor about taking a statin, it’s important to discuss your personal preferences as well as your risk for heart attack and stroke.