Are statins right for you?

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Digital Health Expert. Managing Editor and Founder, MedicalRecords.com

statins

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Are statins worth the risk?

Are statins right for you? If you’re at high risk of having a heart attack or stroke, you may be wondering if you should take a statin to help lower your risk. Statins lower the amount of bad (LDL) cholesterol in your blood by reducing how much of it your body makes. Statins can also decrease inflammation around the cholesterol buildup in your arteries. A heart-healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of heart attack and stroke but without the possible side effects of statins.

What are the side effects of statins?

Statins are often prescribed to help people lower their blood cholesterol levels, but they can have many side effects. Some of these side effects may be mild while others may be very severe. Your doctor should know about any allergies you have since some statins contain ingredients that could potentially cause allergic reactions. Statins can also cause a variety of digestive problems and even liver damage. Other possible statin side effects include muscle pain, weakness or cramps, dry or itchy skin and depression. You may also experience changes in your sleep pattern while taking statins.

Do statins work on everyone?

Remember that any medication you take will affect your body differently than it does others and your body will react differently at different times throughout the course of taking the medication. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of statins to treat your cholesterol level. The benefits of statins also come with adverse side effects. When you use these medications, you need to be aware of the positives and negatives that accompany them.

Want to compare your options to decide if Statins are right for you? Try now this interesting interactive tool Should I Take Statins to Prevent a Heart Attack or Stroke?