Doctors say a growing number of patients are choosing to avoid or stop taking statins, medications designed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Statins have been used for more than three decades to manage cardiovascular disease risk. They work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, often called “bad” cholesterol. High LDL levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries that restrict blood flow and increase the risk of serious heart problems.
Despite their long track record, many patients who could benefit from the drugs remain hesitant.
Fear of side effects is a major reason. According to the Mayo Clinic, muscle pain or soreness is reported by about five percent to 10 percent of users. Experts say some patients may also experience what is known as the “nocebo effect,” where the expectation of side effects leads people to believe they are experiencing them.
Long-term health concerns also influence decisions. Some patients worry about liver damage, memory issues, or an increased risk of diabetes. Research suggests statins may raise the risk of Type 2 diabetes in certain patients by about 10 percent to 35 percent, particularly those already at risk.
Misinformation online has added to the skepticism. Social media posts and online content increasingly question cholesterol science or portray statins as unnecessary medications promoted by pharmaceutical companies.
Others simply prefer lifestyle changes over long-term medication. Diet improvements, exercise, and weight loss can lower cholesterol in some people, and doctors often encourage those steps when possible.
Still, experts stress that statins remain one of the most effective tools for preventing cardiovascular disease.
According to Harvard Health, people with coronary artery disease or other plaque-related conditions generally benefit from statins even when cholesterol levels appear normal.
The medications can also help adults with LDL levels of 160 milligrams per deciliter or higher, or those with a 10-year cardiovascular risk of at least 7.5 percent.
For many patients, however, the absence of symptoms makes prevention a difficult concept to accept.
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