HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins," are medications used to lower cholesterol when you cannot control it by making lifestyle changes. These medications are widely prescribed and are well tolerated. Statin drugs include atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin. Many of these statins are available in generic form. In addition to lowering cholesterol and preventing heart disease, these drugs may have additional health benefits.
Lowering LDL Cholesterol
Statin drugs lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol by blocking a substance in the body that is involved in making cholesterol. They also can help the body reabsorb cholesterol that has already built up on the walls of your arteries. High cholesterol, particularly high LDL cholesterol, is one of a number of risk factors for heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends statins as "the drugs of first choice for elevated LDL cholesterol," noting their effectiveness, their good side effect profile, and their limited interactions with other medications. Statins are usually taken long-term, and vary in strength and cholesterol-lowering effects.
Prevention of Heart Disease
Statins reduce the risk of heart attack or death from heart disease or stroke by lowering cholesterol. According to a 2001 review in the journal "American Family Physician," a number of large clinical studies have shown that statins "can substantially reduce coronary events and death from coronary heart disease." Statins have also been shown to be cost effective compared with other interventions for heart disease.
Other Benefits
Other beneficial effects of statins include anti-inflammatory properties, which may help stabilize the lining of blood vessels, benefiting not only the heart, but the whole body. According to the Mayo Clinic, statins may also reduce the risk for arthritis, bone fractures, kidney disease, dementia, and some forms of cancer, and may help control immune response after an organ transplant.
