risks of cholesterol lowering drugs

In the final analysis, taking medication to lower cholesterol is unquestionably of benefit if you have heart disease or if you are at high risk for developing heart disease and your cholesterol is high. New studies over the last two years have demonstrated that at least some of the statin drugs substantially decrease risk of heart attacks and death from heart disease. (In the future, we will look more closely at whether there are differences among the different statin drugs). Furthermore, the statins have turned out to be extraordinarily safe. If you have heart disease, you probably should be on medication for your cholesterol almost regardless of your cholesterol. Otherwise, if your cholesterol is on the high side, you should always try diet and exercise first. However, if your cholesterol remains high and especially if you are at high risk for developing heart disease, statins are very safe and potentially life-saving drugs.