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Statins are medications commonly used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Many people wonder whether taking statins can actually help them live longer. Research suggests that for those at high risk of heart disease, statins can extend life, but the benefits depend on individual health factors.
Statins work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to serious heart problems. By lowering cholesterol, statins help protect the heart and blood vessels.
Studies have shown that statins are especially effective for people who already have heart disease or are at high risk of developing it. In addition to lowering cholesterol, statins reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, stabilize existing plaque, and decrease the chances of life-threatening cardiovascular events.
One large study published in The Lancet found that statins lowered the risk of heart attacks by 25% and strokes by 21%, reducing the chances of premature death from heart-related causes. Another study in JAMA looked at people aged 50 to 75 with a high risk of heart disease. It found that taking statins was linked to a 10% to 15% reduction in overall death rates, meaning fewer people died from any cause during the study.
For every 100 high-risk people who took statins for five years, about one to two extra lives were saved compared to those who didn’t take the medication.
Even for people without heart disease, statins provide some benefits. A 2019 study in Circulation found that for those with high cholesterol but no history of heart problems, statins lowered the risk of death by about 9% over five years. While this benefit is smaller, preventing heart attacks or strokes can still improve overall quality of life.
The biggest benefits of statins are seen in people with a high risk of heart disease. For those with a lower risk, the increase in lifespan may be smaller, so the decision to take statins should be made with a doctor.
Statins are generally safe, but they can have side effects, such as muscle pain, changes in liver enzymes, or digestive issues. These side effects are rare and usually mild but should be monitored.
One important finding from research is that people who take their statins regularly as prescribed tend to live longer than those who skip doses or stop taking them. This shows that consistency is key to getting the full benefits of the medication.
While statins won’t make you live forever, they can help extend life and improve health, especially for people at risk of heart disease. By lowering the chances of heart attacks and strokes, they can add years to life and improve overall well-being.
If you are considering statins or have been prescribed them, talk to your doctor about your personal risks and benefits to make the best decision for your health.
If you care about health, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and vitamin D supplements strongly reduce cancer death.
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