Weighing the risks and benefits of statins

When thinking about whether you should take statins for high cholesterol, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have other risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease?
• Am I willing and able to make lifestyle changes to improve my health?
• Am I concerned about taking a pill every day, perhaps for the rest of my life?
• Am I concerned about statins' side effects or interactions with other medicines?

It's important to consider your medical reasons, personal values, lifestyle choices and any concerns when choosing a treatment. Talk to your healthcare professional about your total risk of heart and blood vessel disease and personal preferences before making a decision about statin therapy. And if the conclusion is that you cannot take statins, be reassured that there are other medications that can lower your cholesterol.