According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, an elevated low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol level is one of the key risk factors for coronary artery disease. Additionally, most people are unable to reduce LDL cholesterol to goal levels using lifestyle modifications alone. By utilizing medications known as statins, you're more likely to be able to lower your LDL cholesterol to goal levels and decrease the risk of heart disease.
Background
LDL cholesterol is known as "bad" cholesterol because this type of cholesterol contributes to the plaque that hardens on artery walls and causes coronary artery disease. This type of cholesterol is synthesized in your body and also comes from dietary sources. Your total cholesterol should be below 240mg/dL and your LDL cholesterol below 130mg/dL. If you have multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease, your physician may want your LDL cholesterol to be below 100mg/dL. If you have no risk factors, your physician may recommend dietary measures without use of a medication, the Mayo Clinic says.
Effect on Cholesterol
Statins work in the liver by blocking a substance called coenzyme-A-reductase, which is a substance that your body needs to make cholesterol, the Mayo Clinic says. Additionally, statins may help your body reabsorb cholesterol and prevent the buildup of plaque, the substance that blocks your coronary arteries and inhibits blood flow. According to an article by Gotto et.al published by Circulation in 2002, statins lower LDL cholesterol by about 20 percent to 45 percent, depending on the dosage of the medication. Though other medications can lower LDL, on average statins lower LDL cholesterol more than any other type of medication.
Other Benefits
Statins are thought to have other benefits in preventing heart disease. The Mayo Clinic says statins may have anti-inflammatory properties that help keep blood vessel linings stable and less susceptible to heart attacks. Additionally, statins lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and may reduce your risk of blood clots. Though statins aren't currently used for these indications, these properties may explain why statins decrease your risk of heart disease in addition to the cholesterol-lowering benefit. Statins are also thought to decrease your risk of arthritis, some types of cancer, dementia and kidney disease.
Considerations
Side effects such as muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea and constipation occur in some people. Because statins work in the liver, some people have an increase in liver enzymes and can even develop liver damage. Your physician should screen for liver damage with a blood test. Severe muscle pain and breakdown occurs rarely and can damage your kidneys if it does occur, the Mayo Clinic says. Typically, however, statins are well tolerated and may help you optimize your cholesterol levels.
