Statins are among the most prescribed medications in the world. They lower LDL cholesterol and can reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes. But the benefits are smaller than many people think, and the risks and tradeoffs are often overlooked.
Who Benefits Most?
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Secondary prevention: People who have already had a heart attack or stroke see the clearest benefit. About 30–40 people need to take a statin for five years to prevent one major cardiovascular event.
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Primary prevention: For those without prior events, the number needed to treat is often over 100, sometimes over 200. Many people take statins long-term without personally benefiting.
Lifespan Impact is Modest
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Research suggests statins may extend life by days to weeks on average for people without prior heart disease.
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Side effects are real: muscle pain, fatigue, cognitive changes, blood sugar disruptions, and reduced energy from lower CoQ10 levels are reported by some patients.
Cholesterol is Not the Enemy
Cholesterol is vital:
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Needed to make hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol
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Required for vitamin D production, bile acids, brain function, and healthy cell membranes
Aggressively lowering cholesterol without considering hormonal context can worsen fatigue, mood, and stress resilience, especially in perimenopausal and menopausal women.
Changing Cutoffs and Context
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“High” cholesterol thresholds have dropped over the years, putting more people on statins even with low personal risk.
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Lipitor, the most famous statin, is the most profitable drug in history, which underscores the importance of thoughtful, individualized decisions.
A Naturopathic Perspective
Statins may have a role for some, but heart health is about more than one number. A naturopathic approach looks at:
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True cardiovascular risk
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Insulin resistance and inflammation
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Thyroid and liver health
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Hormonal balance
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Lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, movement, and stress
Many people can support heart health with root-cause strategies rather than relying solely on medication.
Take Action
If you are taking a statin or considering one, schedule a consultation. Together, we can review your labs, lifestyle, and risk factors to create a personalized plan that protects your heart while supporting your energy, hormones, and overall health—not just lowering cholesterol.