Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is dubbed the “bad” cholesterol because it hikes your risk of heart disease – a major killer worldwide. Statins can help to tackle cholesterol and other harmful precursors of heart disease.
It is worth noting that most people tolerate statins well and do not have any problems.
“You should discuss the benefits and risks of taking statins with your doctor before you start taking the medicine,” advises the NHS.
According to the health body, if you find certain side effects particularly troublesome, talk to the doctor in charge of your care.
“Your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need a different type of statin,” it adds.
Alternative approaches
Statins are just one of a number of interventions you can make to lower high cholesterol levels.
Overhauling your diet is key to lowering high cholesterol levels and there are a number of items you should avoid.
Saturated fats, found primarily in red meat and full-fat dairy products, are particularly troublesome.
As the Mayo Clinic points out, decreasing your consumption of saturated fats can reduce the “bad” cholesterol in your blood.
In addition to shunning specific items, increasing your intake of others can help to keep the harmful effects of cholesterol at bay.
According to the Mayo Clinic, omega-3 fatty acids don’t affect LDL cholesterol but have other benefits.
Heart-healthy benefits include reducing high blood pressure – another marker of heart disease.
Foods with omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, mackerel, herring, walnuts and flaxseeds.