Statins have been nothing short of monumental in reshaping heart health. These drugs work by helping the liver remove more of the “bad” LDL cholesterol from the blood, which in turn lowers the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries. Less buildup means a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. The benefits are well documented.
For instance, the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study found that pravastatin reduced coronary heart disease events by 31% and even lowered overall deaths by 22% during nearly five years of follow-up.
That effectiveness makes statins a cornerstone of cardiovascular prevention. However, as Dr. Kunal Sood, MD, highlighted on Instagram, while their benefits are powerful, there are a few side effects worth keeping in mind. His point was not to dismiss statins, but to remind people to stay aware and informed.
Memory and brain health
Some people on statins report mild memory lapses or confusion, but these usually improve when the medication is stopped. Large, careful studies haven’t found evidence of long-term harm. In fact, a trial in older adults published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed no increase in dementia or cognitive decline among statin users.
Muscle pain and weakness
Muscle aches are another worry, especially in the first year of use. But most of the time, they aren’t caused by the statin itself. The SAMSON trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, showed that 90% of reported muscle symptoms occurred even when patients were unknowingly taking placebo pills, not statins. This means genuine statin-related muscle problems are rare and can usually be managed by adjusting treatment.
Blood sugar and diabetes risk
Statins can slightly raise blood sugar, which may increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly at higher doses or in those already at risk. The US FDA updated statin labels to reflect this, but emphasized that the benefits of reducing heart attack and stroke usually far outweigh this small risk. Doctors often balance this by monitoring blood sugar and recommending healthy lifestyle adjustments.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any prescribed medication, including statins.
For instance, the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study found that pravastatin reduced coronary heart disease events by 31% and even lowered overall deaths by 22% during nearly five years of follow-up.
That effectiveness makes statins a cornerstone of cardiovascular prevention. However, as Dr. Kunal Sood, MD, highlighted on Instagram, while their benefits are powerful, there are a few side effects worth keeping in mind. His point was not to dismiss statins, but to remind people to stay aware and informed.
Memory and brain health
Some people on statins report mild memory lapses or confusion, but these usually improve when the medication is stopped. Large, careful studies haven’t found evidence of long-term harm. In fact, a trial in older adults published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed no increase in dementia or cognitive decline among statin users.
Muscle pain and weakness
Muscle aches are another worry, especially in the first year of use. But most of the time, they aren’t caused by the statin itself. The SAMSON trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, showed that 90% of reported muscle symptoms occurred even when patients were unknowingly taking placebo pills, not statins. This means genuine statin-related muscle problems are rare and can usually be managed by adjusting treatment.
Blood sugar and diabetes risk
Statins can slightly raise blood sugar, which may increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly at higher doses or in those already at risk. The US FDA updated statin labels to reflect this, but emphasized that the benefits of reducing heart attack and stroke usually far outweigh this small risk. Doctors often balance this by monitoring blood sugar and recommending healthy lifestyle adjustments.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any prescribed medication, including statins.
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