Do statins have a mortality benefit?

Do statins have a mortality benefit?

Statin use is associated with lower mortality risk in older adults, according to a retrospective study in JAMA. Over 300,000 U.S. veterans aged 75 and older were followed for roughly 7 years.

Do statins extend life?

As one of the best-studied medications in randomized clinical trials, statins are proven to extend life and reduce the number of heart attacks and strokes, even among individuals with normal cholesterol levels. Statins are recommended for individuals with known ASCVD.

Do Statins increase life expectancy?

The most optimistic estimates say that taking a statin could add a year to the average person’s life expectancy. Not smoking could add nearly 10 years and quitting increases life expectancy by reducing the chances of emphysema, many cancers, and heart disease.

Why are statins so bad?

Very rarely, statins can cause life-threatening muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis (rab-doe-my-OL-ih-sis). Rhabdomyolysis can cause severe muscle pain, liver damage, kidney failure and death. The risk of very serious side effects is extremely low, and calculated in a few cases per million people taking statins.

Can I refuse statins?

Our goal is to decrease your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. We know that for patients at high risk, statins can do this — and potentially save lives. Before you refuse to take a statin or stop taking a statin, consult your doctor.

Can you stop taking statins for a few days?

Therefore, most people who begin taking a statin medication will likely take it for the rest of their lives. If you’ve been taking statins and would like to stop, you’ll need to do so with your doctor’s guidance. This is because it can be dangerous to stop taking statins.

Do doctors over prescribe statins?

But while they’ve proven to be effective for some patients, new research suggests that the medical community is overprescribing statins and should instead only use them for people who are at an increased risk.

Is there an alternative to statins?

Non-statin options include ezetimibe, which limits the absorption of cholesterol, and a new group of drugs called proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors.

What is the best natural cholesterol lowering supplement?

Garlic is one of the best-known supplements for reducing cholesterol. Earlier studies on garlic produced conflicting results, but some indicated that garlic might lower cholesterol.

What vitamin is good for cholesterol?

Niacin is a B vitamin. Doctors sometimes suggest it for patients with high cholesterol or heart concerns. It benefits you by increasing the level of good cholesterol and reducing triglycerides, another fat that can clog arteries. You can consume niacin in foods, especially liver and chicken, or as a supplement.