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About statins

Statins help lower the level of cholesterol in your blood.

They are prescribed to treat and prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

A GP may prescribe a statin if:

  • you have high cholesterol
  • you have been diagnosed with a CVD
  • you're likely to develop CVD and lifestyle changes have not reduced this risk

Statins are only available on prescription. They come as tablets.

Types of statins

There are different type of statins available, including:

  • atorvastatin (Lipitor or Atorvas)
  • rosuvastatin (Crestor or Rosuva)
  • pravastatin (Pravitin or Pravamel)
  • simvastatin (Zocor, Sivatin or Simtan)
  • fluvastatin (Lescol)

Statins also come in a mixed tablet with low-dose aspirin or with medicines for cholesterol or high blood pressure. The mixed tablets are only available on prescription.

Uses of statins

Statins work by reducing your liver's production of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called bad cholesterol. Too much LDL can clog up your arteries.

They also work by reducing other types of fat in the blood called triglycerides.

They are used to treat and prevent different forms of CVD.

The main types of CVD are:

  • coronary heart disease - the blood supply to the heart is restricted
  • angina - chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles
  • heart attacks - the blood supply to the heart is suddenly blocked
  • stroke - the blood supply to the brain is blocked

Page last reviewed: 12 June 2024
Next review due: 12 June 2027