Key takeaways
- High cholesterol is a common problem for many Americans. It can lead to heart attack and stroke if left untreated.
- Statin medications are used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Get screened for high cholesterol and heart disease by visiting your primary care provider.
High cholesterol is a common but serious health condition that can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Statins are commonly prescribed medications that help lower cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease risk. Your doctor may prescribe a statin for you if you have high cholesterol, diabetes, or risk of heart disease.
In the United States, nearly 25 million adults have high cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).1 Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your liver produces to help digest fatty foods, make hormones, and more.2
There are two kinds of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL cholesterol is known as “bad” and HDL is “good.” You also have a type of fat in your blood called triglycerides. When you combine HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, you get total cholesterol.
A simple blood test can measure your cholesterol level to show you and your doctor whether your cholesterol is too high. The ideal cholesterol level is about 150mg/dL without other risk factors, according to the CDC.2
Why high cholesterol can be harmful for your health
When your cholesterol levels get too high, plaque can start to build up on the walls in your arteries. This can cause your arteries to narrow over time and block blood flow to your heart and organs. When this happens, you could have chest pain or a heart attack.2 It can also increase your risk of having a stroke.2
High cholesterol doesn’t have any symptoms, so you won’t know if you have it without getting tested by a medical provider. Select Health members can find a primary care provider by logging into their member account.
Lifestyle changes can help lower your total cholesterol, according to an article in the National Library of Medicine.3 Managing your weight, getting regular physical activity, and eating a heart-healthy diet may improve your cholesterol level.3
But sometimes adding medication in addition to lifestyle changes is an option.
What is a statin?
Statins are a type of medicine used to lower cholesterol. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your provider or doctor may prescribe them for you. They are the most common cholesterol medications.4
Who may benefit from statins?
Statins may also be a good medication for different people with different conditions and risk factors. In addition to those with high cholesterol, doctors prescribe statins if you have heart disease or are at increased risk of developing it, according to an article published in JAMA Cardiology.5
One of the groups at a higher risk of developing heart disease is those who are diagnosed with diabetes. The CDC says people with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or stroke than those without it.6 Those people who’ve had diabetes for a long time are at an increased risk, because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. For this reason, doctors may prescribe a statin for those with diabetes to reduce the risk of heart disease.
If you’re between the ages of 21 and 75 and are diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), statin therapy can be effective in managing risk.
Statins are proven to reduce heart attacks and strokes and extend life.5 One study found that those who started taking statins saw a 25% reduction of all-cause mortality and a 20% reduction in heart disease-related death.7
To learn more about who may benefit from statin therapy, check out this infographic from the National Lipid Association.
Why did my doctor prescribe me a statin?
Even if you don’t have any symptoms or concerns, you could have high cholesterol or heart disease. Your healthcare provider can review your cholesterol levels and other risk factors and help you make an informed decision on whether you should take statins.
Risk factors for developing high cholesterol include tobacco use, poor exercise and diet, overweight, family history, age, and more.2
Follow your doctor’s recommendations
If your doctor determined a statin is a medication that would benefit you, follow their instructions for taking it.
While uncommon, side effects like joint pain, nausea, or mild blood sugar elevation can occur with statin use. If you’re experiencing side effects or feeling unsure, talk to your doctor.
What are the different kinds of statin drugs available?
Statins are a class of drugs, but there are many different kinds. Your doctor can review your health history and help you decide on the best one for you. Here are a few statins available:
- Atorvastatin (Caduet® or Lipitor®)
- Fluvastatin
- Lovastatin (Mevacor® or Altoprev™)
- Pitavastatin (Livalo® or Zypitamag®)
- Pravastatin
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor® or Ezallor Sprinkle®)
- Simvastatin (FloLipid®, Vytorin® or Zocor®)
If you’re a Select Health member, you can check your pharmacy coverage to see what statins are covered. Select Health Medicare members can look at the Essential Formulary to find out which statins are covered.
Take charge of your health
If you’re unsure about your risk of high cholesterol or heart disease, start by talking to your doctor. Select Health members can find af primary care provider through their member account or by calling Member Advocates at 800-515-2220 weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
If you’re in the market for a new health insurance plan, we can help. From employer plans to Medicaid, we offer coverage in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Colorado. Browse Select Health plans to find the right fit for you.
Frequently asked questions about statins
It depends, but typically within four weeks of taking your medication regularly, according to the NHS.8
No, statins do not raise blood pressure. The primary purpose of statin medications is to lower cholesterol, but some studies suggest statins may help lower blood pressure.9
There is no evidence that statins contribute to dementia. In fact, there is lots of research that shows statins can actually reduce the risk of dementia.10
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience, but Select Health does not endorse the third-party sites, information, or services.
The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, this information does not guarantee benefits. To review your benefits, please reference your plan materials or call Member Services at 800-538-5038 weekdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Sunday. TTY users call 711.
Sources
1. High Cholesterol Facts, Centers for Disease Control, 2024
2. About Cholesterol, Centers for Disease Control, 2024
3. Cholesterol, National Library of Medicine, 2025
4. Statins, National Library of Medicine, 2025
5. Statins and the Prevention of Heart Disease, JAMA Cardiology, 2017
6. Statins and Diabetes: What You Should Know, Centers for Disease Control, 2024
7. Using statins for first time may reduce risk of death among adults 75 and older, National Institute on Aging, 2020
8. Common questions about simvastatin, NHS, 2022
9. Statin's role on blood pressure levels: Meta‐analysis based on randomized controlled trials, Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 2023
10. Statin use and dementia risk: A systematic review and updated meta‐analysis, Alzheimer's Dementia, 2025
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