All statins have the same goal—in conjunction with a heart-healthy diet, to bring down high cholesterol (which can build up within your arteries and may result in a heart attack or stroke). However, not all statins are processed in the body the same way. This varies from person to person.
These are just some of the things to consider when determining which statin is best for you:
Other medical conditions you have or may be at risk for
Your medical history
Medications or supplements you are taking
Your age
Your ethnicity
Certain foods that are part of your daily diet
Just as statins are different, everyone is different too. And because of that, each person will have different factors that may impact which statin their doctor decides to prescribe.
That’s why it's so important to talk to your doctor about you—that includes your personal health, family history, lifestyle factors, other medications you are on, and any concerns you have about statins. Your doctor can use that information to assess your individual needs and prescribe a statin that’s right for you.
And if you're already on a statin and experiencing challenges, it's important to let your doctor know. Your doctor can re-evaluate and determine an appropriate way to address your concerns, which may include trying a different statin.
It's important to stay on top of your heart health, and that includes finding the statin that's right for you.