There are several different types of statins, including atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), pravastatin, fluvastatin and simvastatin.

What are statins used for?

Having high levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) in your blood can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke. Statins are used to lower LDL cholesterol, and this helps lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Statins are considered the most effective group of cholesterol-lowering medicines available and work by blocking cholesterol production in your liver.

Statins are used in combination with other ways of lowering cholesterol, including eating a healthy diet, managing your weight and exercising.

Who should take statins?

Australian guidelines, along with international guidelines, recommend that statins be used by:

• people who have had a heart attack, or been diagnosed with coronary heart disease
• people at high risk of a cardiovascular event, such as heart attack or stroke.

Factors that can put you at high risk of cardiovascular disease include:

• older age
• an inactive lifestyle
• poor general health
• raised cholesterol levels
• high blood pressure
• smoking
• diabetes
• overweight or obesity
• a family history of high cholesterol, heart attack or stroke.

Side effects of statins

Most people who take statins do not notice any side effects. Side effects that can occur tend to be mild and temporary, and include muscle pain, abnormal liver enzyme levels and a slightly increased risk of diabetes. Serious side effects are rare.

Balancing benefits and risks

There have been questions raised in the media over the benefits of statins. Peak health organisations have urged people who take statins to consult their doctors before stopping any prescribed medicines.

The benefits of statin treatment have been shown to outweigh the risk of possible side effects in most people at high risk of heart attack or stroke. If you are taking statins and have any concerns, talk to your doctor before making any changes.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners recommends that you regularly review with your doctor or specialist any medications you are taking for high blood pressure or high cholesterol to assess the ongoing benefits and risks. For further information, visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website.

For more information, check these frequently asked questions about statins.