Date: 05 Feb 2026
High cholesterol is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke worldwide. For many people, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to control cholesterol levels. This is where cholesterol-lowering statins come in.
Statins are among the most commonly prescribed medications for managing high cholesterol, yet many people have questions and concerns about how they work, their safety, and whether they are truly necessary.
This article explains everything you need to know about statins in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to build cells and produce hormones, but too much cholesterol can be harmful.
There are two main types:
High LDL cholesterol increases the risk of:
Statins are a group of medications used to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood. They are usually prescribed when cholesterol levels remain high despite lifestyle changes or when a person has a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Statins have been widely studied and used for decades and are considered a cornerstone of modern cardiovascular care.
Statins work by targeting the liver, where most cholesterol is produced.
They:
By lowering LDL cholesterol, statins reduce the buildup of plaque in blood vessels and help prevent heart-related complications.
There isn’t just one “statin” — there are several drugs in this category, and they all do essentially the same thing: help your liver make less cholesterol. But they differ slightly in strength, how long they stay active in your body, and how well they’re tolerated.
Here are some of the common ones you might hear about:
Statins may be recommended if you:
Statins are not prescribed based on cholesterol numbers alone—overall heart risk matters.
Statins offer more than just one benefit — and understanding them can help you see why they’re widely prescribed.
The main job of statins is to reduce the amount of LDL cholesterol your liver makes and releases into your blood. Less LDL means less chance of it sticking to your artery walls.
By lowering LDL and stabilizing plaque (the fatty deposits in your arteries), statins reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe them for people with a history of heart disease, diabetes, or high cardiovascular risk.
Some studies suggest that beyond lowering cholesterol, statins have anti-inflammatory effects on blood vessels, which can further help reduce cardiovascular risk.
Statins aren’t a substitute for healthy habits — but when used alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, they can amplify your heart-healthy efforts.
Most people tolerate statins well, but like all medications, they can cause side effects in some individuals.
Common side effects may include:
Rare but serious side effects include:
Always report persistent or unusual symptoms to your doctor.
Yes, for most people, statins are safe when used under medical supervision.
Doctors monitor:
Stopping statins without medical advice can increase your risk of heart complications.
Lifestyle changes remain essential—even if you’re on statins.
Statins work best when combined with:
Statins do not replace healthy habits—they support them.
While statins are prescription drugs, there are supplements and wellness products that can support healthy cholesterol levels, circulation, and overall cardiovascular health.
These aren’t replacements for statins but can be part of a broader heart-healthy lifestyle.
Here are four options you can find at Pharmily Limited Kenya:
A comprehensive heart health supplement with Omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, and antioxidants to support normal cholesterol and blood pressure levels, circulation, and overall cardiovascular function.
Concentrated garlic extract that promotes healthy cholesterol levels and circulation while also supporting immune health — a natural choice for ongoing heart support.
Herbal tea blends with hawthorn berries and holy basil designed to support heart health and help balance blood lipid levels naturally.
A scientifically formulated heart health supplement with Omega-3, antioxidants, and B-vitamins to support cholesterol balance, circulatory health, and homocysteine metabolism.
You should consult a healthcare professional if you:
Early intervention saves lives.
Q. Are statins only for older adults?
No. Statins may be prescribed to younger adults with high cardiovascular risk.
Q. How long does it take for statins to work?
Cholesterol levels usually improve within 4–6 weeks.
Q. Can I take statins with other medications?
Some statins interact with other drugs, so always inform your doctor about all medications you take.