Quick answer
What is statins used for?
Statins are medicines that lower cholesterol in the blood, which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. They are usually taken once a day, long term. Most people take them without problems, though some experience side effects. Never start or stop them without medical advice.
What are statins?
Statins are a group of medicines that lower the level of cholesterol in the blood, particularly “bad” (non-HDL) cholesterol. Because high cholesterol contributes to fatty build-up in the arteries, lowering it reduces the risk of serious problems such as heart attack and stroke. Statins are among the most commonly prescribed medicines in the UK.
Why they are prescribed
A GP may recommend a statin if your cholesterol is high, or if your overall risk of heart disease and stroke is raised by a combination of factors — such as age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes or family history. The aim is to reduce that long-term risk.
Taking them
Statins are usually taken as a single daily tablet, often long term. Your GP will check how you are getting on, sometimes with blood tests, and may adjust the dose. Lifestyle changes — a healthy diet, activity, not smoking — work alongside statins rather than instead of them.
Side effects
Most people take statins without any trouble. Some experience side effects such as muscle aches, headaches, or digestive symptoms. If side effects are bothering you, it is worth seeing your GP, who can lower the dose or try a different statin — this is usually better than simply stopping, which leaves your risk unaddressed.
Rarely, statins can cause a more serious muscle problem. Seek prompt advice for severe or unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly with a fever or dark urine.
An important point
Do not start or stop statins without medical advice. Stopping suddenly removes the protection they provide. If you have concerns, talk them through with your GP or pharmacist rather than discontinuing on your own.
Common questions
- Why have I been prescribed a statin?
- Statins are prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce your overall risk of heart attack and stroke. This may be because your cholesterol is high, or because your combined risk factors make lowering cholesterol worthwhile, even if your level is not very high.
- Do statins have side effects?
- Most people take statins without problems. Some experience side effects such as muscle aches, headaches or digestive symptoms. If side effects bother you, a GP can adjust the dose or switch to a different statin rather than you simply stopping.
- Do I have to take statins for life?
- Often yes, because they work by keeping cholesterol lower over the long term to reduce ongoing risk. Lifestyle changes remain important alongside them. Any decision to stop should be made with your GP.
- Can I still eat normally on statins?
- Generally yes, though a heart-healthy diet helps the medicine do its job. One specific point — grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with some statins, so check the leaflet or ask your pharmacist about yours.