7 cholesterol-lowering alternatives to statins (2024)

FAQs

What is the new treatment instead of statins? ›

For people who can't take statin drugs, a cholesterol-lowering drug called bempedoic acid (Nexletol) can also lower the risk of heart attacks and related problems, a new study shows.

Ezetimibe. Ezetimibe is a tablet that lowers cholesterol. It may be prescribed if statins cannot be taken, or alongside a statin for extra cholesterol-lowering. It's a 'cholesterol absorption inhibitor' that limits the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine.

Bempedoic acid on its own has additional benefits: A 2023 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that it can lower the risk of heart disease, making it a great alternative to people who cannot tolerate statins.

In general, LDL-C is reduced by an additional 7% with each doubling of the statin dose.

The decision to take a statin is up to you. You can try it, and if you don't like the way it makes you feel, you can talk with your doctor. You may choose to take a different statin or a different dose to try to avoid side effects.

“We know that if you have heart disease, specifically atherosclerosis, statins, if tolerated, are an absolute must,” says Brian Cambi, MD, a Yale Medicine cardiologist. “As far as who should take statins for prevention, that continues to get refined.”

While statins are highly effective and safe for most people, they have been linked to muscle pain, digestive problems and mental fuzziness in some people. Rarely, they may cause liver damage. If you think you're experiencing side effects from taking statins, don't just stop taking the pills.

It's important to know that stopping statins cold turkey, or even gradually, can cause serious health problems and you should talk to your doctor before doing so.

Cholesterol is often high due to excessive saturated and trans fat consumption. There are certain drinks that can help maintain an ideal cholesterol level. Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine.

Does CoQ10 lower cholesterol? ›

Although more studies are needed, some research suggests that CoQ10 may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, lowering their risk of heart disease.

Niacin is a B vitamin that helps support your digestive system, nervous system, and skin. It is available over the counter as a supplement. Niacin is sometimes used to help lower cholesterol, but there is evidence that taking it with a statin could increase the risk of experiencing statin side effects.

Many adults eligible for statins for heart disease prevention are not taking them. Researchers report that only 35% of adults who are eligible to take statins for prevention of cardiovascular disease are actually using them.

Shortly thereafter, the 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease added clarity related to the use of statins for primary prevention in those up to age 75 years (2019 ACC/AHA Primary Prevention Guidelines) [14].

If you're taking simvastatin or atorvastatin, avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they can increase your risk of side effects. If you take another type of statin, limit your intake of grapefruit juice to very small amounts or avoid it altogether.

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 12, 2023 — A new PCSK9 inhibitor (recaticimab) injected every one to three months may work safely and provide more flexible dosing to lower cholesterol, according to late-breaking science presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2023.

A study of more than 135,000 people at risk for a heart attack or stroke found that those who took statins had a 25% lower risk of having a heart attack or stroke compared to those who did not take statins.

Statins. Statins are the most common medicine for high cholesterol. They reduce the amount of cholesterol your body makes.

While the supplement is generally considered safe, it might carry the same potential side effects as statin cholesterol drugs. Red yeast rice might cost less than a statin. However, with a supplement, there's less assurance regarding quality and how much active ingredient is actually in the product.