Debunking Myths About Statin Therapy

January 16, 2025

High cholesterol is a significant concern in the United States, with approximately 93 million adults aged 20 and older having total cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL. Additionally, 12% of this age group have levels exceeding 240 mg/dL.

Fortunately, over half of the adults (around 43 million) who could benefit from cholesterol-lowering medications are taking them. But what about the other half?

If you have high cholesterol but are hesitant about taking medications, particularly statins, Dr. James Kim of James Kim Cardiology and our team want to address your concerns about this potentially life-saving treatment.

Here, we explore some common myths and facts about statin therapy.

The Risks of High Cholesterol

Before discussing statin therapy, it’s essential to understand why lowering your cholesterol is crucial. High cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your blood vessels, obstructing blood flow and potentially causing:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Peripheral artery disease

A significant issue with high cholesterol is that it often presents no symptoms as plaque accumulates. This is why we recommend regular blood tests to monitor your cholesterol levels.

If your cholesterol numbers are elevated, we suggest diet and exercise as initial treatments. If further intervention is needed, we may recommend statin therapy. Statins work by blocking cholesterol production, preventing plaque buildup in your blood vessels.

With an understanding of the importance of statins, let’s explore some common myths and facts about this therapy.

“Statins Can Lead to Memory Loss”

Concerns about statins causing memory loss stem from the brain’s need for cholesterol. However, the brain produces its own cholesterol, separate from the cholesterol in the bloodstream. This means statin therapy doesn’t impact brain function as once feared.

A study with 20,000 people who take statins supports this idea. The study found that statins do not harm thinking or memory, which is good news for those who need to take these medications to lower their cholesterol levels.

“Statins Can Lead to Diabetes”

While statins do slightly raise blood sugar levels, the primary cause of adult-onset diabetes is typically pre-existing high glucose levels before starting statin therapy.

“Statins Affect Liver Function”

This statement is partially true. Statins target liver cells to block cholesterol production, but they generally do not pose a significant threat to liver function. However, in rare cases (about 1 in 10,000), statin use can lead to liver failure due to rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).

“If I’m Taking Statins, I Shouldn’t Eat Grapefruit”

There is some truth to this. Grapefruit contains compounds that interfere with how your body metabolizes statins. The extent of this effect depends on the specific statin you are taking. We will inform you if there are any dietary restrictions you should follow before starting your medication.

Misconception: I Can Discontinue Statins Once My Cholesterol Levels Improve

If your statin therapy successfully reduces your cholesterol to healthier levels, it’s important not to stop taking the medication abruptly. Discontinuing statins can cause your cholesterol levels to rise again. Instead, consider statin therapy as a long-term commitment.

The bottom line is that statins can significantly benefit your cardiovascular health, and the benefits often outweigh any potential risks.

If you have further questions about statin therapy, please contact one of our offices in National City or Chula Vista, California.

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Cardiovascular Wellness, Cholesterol Management

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