Why Statin Treatment Is Recommended for You
Information for patients with heart, circulation, stroke, or kidney conditions
Why you are being offered this information
You are receiving this leaflet because you have previously been diagnosed with a condition that affects your heart, blood vessels, brain, or kidneys. These conditions place you at higher risk of future cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes.
Statin treatment is recommended specifically for people in this situation because it has been shown to significantly reduce future risk, even if cholesterol levels do not appear very high.
Conditions where statins are recommended
Statins are recommended for people with any of the following medical conditions:
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
This includes previous:
- Heart attack
- Angina
- Coronary artery disease
Damage or narrowing of the heart’s blood vessels increases the risk of further heart attacks. Lowering cholesterol helps reduce this risk.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
PAD affects blood flow to the legs and other parts of the body.
It is a sign of widespread blood vessel disease, meaning there is also an increased risk of:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Statins reduce the risk of these complications.
Stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
A stroke or TIA (“mini-stroke”) often occurs due to cholesterol build-up in blood vessels supplying the brain.
Statins help by:
- Reducing further narrowing of blood vessels
- Lowering the chance of another stroke or TIA
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
People with kidney disease are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, even in the early stages.
Statins reduce:
- Heart attack risk
- Stroke risk
- Cardiovascular complications associated with CKD
Why statins are recommended even if your cholesterol is not very high
Research has shown that in people with existing cardiovascular disease:
- Statins reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
- The benefit comes from risk reduction, not just lowering cholesterol numbers
For this reason, national guidelines recommend statins for secondary prevention — preventing further events — regardless of baseline cholesterol level.
What are statins?
Statins are medicines that:
- Lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol)
- Stabilise fatty deposits in blood vessels
- Reduce inflammation within blood vessels
Together, these effects lower the chance of blood vessel blockages.
Benefits of statin treatment
Statins can:
- Reduce the risk of heart attack
- Reduce the risk of stroke
- Reduce the risk of further cardiovascular problems
- Improve long-term health outcomes
They are most effective when taken regularly and long-term.
Are there alternatives?
If statins are not suitable or are declined, other cholesterol-lowering treatments may be considered. Your clinician can discuss these options with you.
Lifestyle measures such as diet, exercise, stopping smoking, and reducing alcohol intake are always encouraged, but on their own they are usually not enough for people with established cardiovascular disease.
Possible side effects
Most people tolerate statins well.
Possible side effects include:
- Muscle aches or pains
- Mild changes in liver blood tests
Serious side effects are rare. You will be monitored to ensure treatment is safe for you.
Your choice
Starting statin treatment is your decision.
Our role is to:
- Explain the benefits and risks
- Support you in making an informed choice
- Review treatment if your circumstances change
If you choose not to start treatment now, you can change your mind at any time.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any questions about statins or your treatment options, please contact the surgery to discuss this further.