Do I need to take statins?

Managing cholesterol is no joke.

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Today's Ingredients High cholesterol is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, which accounts for 31% of deaths globally each year. There's a lot you can do in your day-to-day life to manage high cholesterol — make healthy eating choices, get regular exercise, quit smoking, etc. Additionally, you can take statins, a class of medications that decrease the buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. Today, a registered dietitian at Healthline, Mohini Bhakta, is here to give us a refresher on these lifesaving medications, including who can benefit the most from taking them.   • Food to enjoy: Why adding ginger to your mornings can be healthy and fun   • News to know: Too much of these drinks may raise your risk of stroke   • Tips to live well: How to replace bad habits with healthy ones Stay safe, Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline   Written by Ginger Wojcik October 15, 2024 • 3.5 min read Let's Ask the Dietitian Q: Do I need to take statins to lower my cholesterol? A: Before we get started on this one, huge disclaimer that it's important to talk with a healthcare professional prior to starting, stopping, or changing any medications and supplements. Nonetheless, oops … tough question. It really depends on your individual and medical history (part of why it's so important to chat with a healthcare professional first!), current cholesterol levels, genetics, and risk factors. But as a refresher, the American Heart Association recommends statins if you: have an LDL cholesterol level of 190 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher already have cardiovascular disease are 40 to 75 years old and have diabetes are 40 to 75 years old, have an LDL level of 70 to 189 mg/dL, and have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years To get into some of the less "fun" facts, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One reason for this is that heart disease symptoms like blocked arteries, high cholesterol, and elevated blood pressure often go unnoticed, so serious conditions like heart attack and stroke can creep up seemingly without warning. What does this have to do with statins? Statins are a class of medications that help our bodies build less cholesterol. We definitely need some cholesterol, as it helps our body produce hormones, vitamin D, and even supports cell structure! But too much of it can lead to buildup in our arteries, which can put us at life threatening risk. But I totally understand wanting to avoid the need to take medications, especially if it's something we can have some control over. I recommend chatting with a healthcare professional about your cholesterol labs and seeing if lifestyle changes can do the trick! Nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management all play important roles in our cholesterol levels as well. Mohini Bhakta, Registered Dietitian Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.)     Based on your interests Worst Foods for Diabetes and Prediabetes and What to Eat Instead READ ON     Kitchen Kit Easy-peasy       CUROfit L7 Professional Grade Lipid Blood Cholesterol Test Kit It's important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly by your primary healthcare professional. But if you want to monitor your levels more frequently, you might consider a home cholesterol test kit. This handheld device analyzes your blood sample immediately, providing results within 3 minutes. It can store up to 500 readings, and it can also test your triglyceride levels. SHOP NOW Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.       FEATURED VIDEO the takeout What we're digesting ❓ 9 frequently asked questions about obesity and depression. Understand the link between these two conditions. 🦠 7 ways to prevent the spread of C. diff. Did you know that 1 in 6 people who contract C. diff will get a second infection within a few weeks of their first one? ☕ This compound in coffee may have weight loss benefits. But your brewing method plays an important role. 🍀 What are the effects of cannabis edibles? The jury's still out on the benefits. And there are risks to be aware of. Thanks for reading, everyone! We'll be back on Thursday with some helpful tips about how to manage food cravings. See you then! Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!   This edition was powered by Greek yogurt.

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