The Benefits of Taking Statins

Cholesterol-lowering statins such as Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) are among the most widely prescribed drugs on the market today. Their purpose is to lower blood cholesterol by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver, but they have several other effects. With regular use, they can not only lower "bad cholesterol" (LDL) but also triglyceride levels. They can boost your "good cholesterol" levels (HDL), too.

Further, research has shown that statins can have other benefits in the body besides improving cholesterol levels.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Like cholesterol, inflammation of the coronary arteries is one of several factors that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key marker for this harmful inflammation, and statin use helps lower CRP levels.

A 2022 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed that statins can reduce CRP levels in people with different types of heart disease.

Based on findings from well-designed trials, statin therapy is recommended to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in people with HIV.

Antiviral and Antibacterial Effects 

With the advent of COVID-19, much research has been done to determine what, if any, effects statins have on fighting that virus. Observational and correlational studies have shown evidence of antiviral activity and improvement in COVID symptoms.

However, research from Johns Hopkins and others has not found any effect of statins on either the reduction of COVID-19 mortality or the severity of symptoms.

The research on whether statins can fight infections is also mostly correlational. For example, some research found that patients taking statins while being treated for pneumonia had an improved survival rate after being admitted to a hospital. However, there is no evidence that statins directly affect pneumonia.

The research on treating sepsis with statins is mixed as well.

Lower Blood Pressure

Research on the effect of statins on hypertension has suggested that they can lower blood pressure. However, the effect varies between studies.

A 2023 meta-analysis based on randomized trials concluded that, while experimental studies suggest that statins have a small antihypertensive effect, "in many of these studies, the sample size was too small, the study design was limited, BP measurements were different" and patient populations differred, so it would be hard to confirm conclusively that statins are beneficial.

Stabilize Plaque

Plaque builds up within the walls of arteries and interferes with blood flow. If this plaque ruptures, blood clots can form and block the artery or travel to different parts of the body. These blockages can cause strokes, heart attacks, vascular dementia, and other serious issues.

Statin therapy can increase the amount of calcium in the plaque, which helps stabilize it. Statins also slow down plaque progression within the arteries.

Statins Likely Do Not Lessen Atrial Fibrillation After Heart Surgery

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heartbeat that commonly occurs after heart surgery. This can lead to longer hospital stays or even strokes or heart failure. Although some studies have shown that statins prevent AF, recent reviews of rigorous, randomized clinical trials have not supported this claim.

According to a 2024 Cochrane systematic review, no evidence was found that statin use before elective cardiac surgery made any real difference in preventing atrial fibrillation or stroke.

Alzheimer's Disease Protection by Statins Not Proven

As with other medical issues, the research on whether statins can inhibit the progression of Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia is unclear. Most of the studies are observational, which cannot prove that statins have an effect.

As one 2024 review determined, "well-designed RCT trials are needed to test whether statins protect against or contribute to cognitive decline."

Are Statins Right For You?

If you have high cholesterol, your healthcare provider may prescribe you a statin drug. Still, statins may not be appropriate for everyone, so talk with a practitioner about whether or not they are suitable in your case, why, and what your other treatment options might be.