Can I lower my cholesterol without a statin?
Ask the doctor
Q.
I've been taking a statin for my high cholesterol, but I'm worried about potential side effects. Are there nondrug alternatives?
A. Statins are among the most-prescribed drugs in the United States because they're highly effective at reducing cholesterol levels, helping to lower heart disease risks. But common side effects such as muscle pain, headache, dizziness, and digestive distress do deter some people from continuing to take them.
Levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol exceeding 190 milligrams per deciliter typically call for a statin prescription. But depending on how high your cholesterol climbs, your doctor may be open to you trying to lower it using lifestyle changes. The most effective interventions involve diet and exercise. Research suggests that the healthiest heart eating pattern emphasizes plant proteins such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas; fiber-rich foods such as oats, barley, apples, and berries; nuts and seeds; and healthy oils such as olive oil. These dietary changes and regular exercise help reduce LDL cholesterol and decrease chronic inflammation. All of these measures help prevent fatty plaque buildup in the body's arteries, thereby lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Talk to your doctor about your concerns about statins. Ask if nondrug approaches to lowering cholesterol might allow you to have a trial period without the statin, or at least reduce the dose.
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About the Author
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
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