If you’ve had a cholesterol check recently, your doctor may have talked to you about adding a statin to your daily routine to help reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. If that happens, or you’ve been taking statins for a while, you might be wondering if you’ll be able to stop taking statins in the future. Below, we’ll answer that question, explain what a statin is, and outline the possible side effects. Show What Are Statins?Statins are prescription medications that can lower your cholesterol levels. Statins stop the production of cholesterol in your body and help your body reabsorb the cholesterol that’s built plaques on your artery walls. This reduces your risk of blood vessel blockages and heart attacks. Typically, statins are very successful at lowering your cholesterol, but they only work as long as you continue taking them. Most people who are taking a statin medication will likely be taking it for the rest of their lives. The most common statins are:
Can You Stop Taking Statins?If you’ve had a heart attack or stroke and your doctor prescribes a statin, it’s best to stick with the medication, even if you’re living a healthier lifestyle. On the other hand, if you haven’t had a heart attack or stroke and are taking statins to reduce your cholesterol, ending statin use can be an option. First, it’s recommended that you start with lifestyle improvements, like diet and exercise, then talk to your doctor. In the end, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons. When you stop statin use, and your cholesterol starts getting high, your risk for a heart attack or stroke increases. Reasons for Stopping Taking StatinsThere are various reasons why people want to stop taking statins. Some of the most common reasons include:
When to Talk to Your DoctorIt’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. To understand more about your heart health, take a health risk assessment at Baptist Health. What happens if I stop taking my statins?Some types of statin should be taken in the evening. Check with your doctor whether there's a particular time of day you should take your statin. You usually have to continue taking statins for life because if you stop taking them, your cholesterol will return to a high level.
Can statins be stopped once started?Therefore, most people who begin taking a statin medication will likely take it for the rest of their lives. If you've been taking statins and would like to stop, you'll need to do so with your doctor's guidance. This is because it can be dangerous to stop taking statins.
How long after stopping statins do side effects go away?About 5 to 10% of people who try statins are affected. It's more common in the elderly, in women and in those taking the more potent statins. Fortunately, these effects disappear within a month after stopping statin therapy. If you think you can't take statins, ask your doctor about trying the following steps.
How do I stop taking statins naturally?Ditch the statins: 7 natural ways to lower your cholesterol.... Higher monounsaturated fat intake. ... . Fat substitution. ... . Eschewing all trans fats. ... . Fiber consumption. ... . Citrus fruits consumption. ... . Taking supplements. ... . Exercise.. |