Why Your First Year After Stopping a Statin Can Be Deadly

Statins are the most commonly prescribed medication to control cholesterol, but some people find it difficult to stay on them. Now, new research finds that using statins can raise the risk of dying from heart disease.

The scientific review analyzed data from 52 studies of more than 4 million people on statins, most of whom had just started treatment. The researchers found that people who stopped taking the medication had a greater risk of dying from heart disease during the year compared to those who continued to take the medication.

“This review highlights the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors associated with statin discontinuation,” the researchers wrote.

Not everyone who takes statins will continue to take them, so researchers want to learn more about the possible link to health risks.

Why Will Statins Raise the Risk of Heart Disease?

The link between stopping statin therapy and a higher risk of heart disease may go back to why people started using statins, Yu-Ming Ni, MD, cardiologist and lipidologist at HeartCare Heart Memorial and the Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical. The facility in Fountain Valley, CA, told Verywell.

Statins are a class of drugs commonly used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. When people have too much cholesterol in their blood, it can form plaque that sticks to the walls of blood vessels, narrowing or blocking them. When blood can’t flow to those areas, it can cause serious problems like heart disease and stroke.

“Statins help prevent heart disease,” Ni said. “If you stop using statins, your risk of heart disease will increase.”

Statins also help reduce the inflammation of blood vessels. When a person stops taking them, it can increase the formation of plaques in the arteries that can lead to heart disease, Robert Rosenson, MD, director of Metabolism and Lipids for the Mount Sinai Health System, told Verywell.

Why Do People Stop Taking Statins?

Recent research has found many people stop taking statins – anywhere from less than 1% to 70.5%, depending on the study reviewed. However, a report from the American Heart Association found that about 10% of patients stop taking statins on their own.

The study also looked at the reasons people stopped treatment, including lack of access to health care and low insurance coverage.

Experts say there are several other common reasons why people stop statin therapy.

“You’re treating the abnormal condition—LDL cholesterol—so, patients tend to feel better and believe they no longer need a statin after their LDL cholesterol is lowered,” said Rosenson, although he added that stopping the use of medication often causes a person. The level of LDL cholesterol rises after a few weeks.

Some people are unable to continue taking the medication, according to Ni. Others may not understand why they were prescribed statins in the first place.

Another common reason people want to stop taking statins is because they may experience side effects, such as muscle pain.

“Some people fear that they will happen or actually cause them to happen, and they stop taking the medication,” Jessica Wilczynski, PharmD, assistant professor of medicine at the Ernest Mario Rutgers School of Pharmacy, State University of New York Jersey, he told Verywell. . But there are many things we can do about that, including reducing the dose.

Ni added that muscle pain from statins usually subsides after a few weeks.

Statin alternatives

For people who really don’t want to or can’t take statins, there are other medications that can help.

Wilczynski said: “There are several prescription drugs that can be given in addition to or instead of statins. These include Zetia, or injectable drugs such as PCSK9 inhibitors (Praluent, Repatha ).

However, Wilczynski pointed out that these alternatives may not be as effective as statins. And even if they are effective or slightly effective, they are often more expensive than statins.

Health officials say statins are still considered a good option in many cases.

“In several guidelines, statins are recommended as the most effective, well-tolerated, and generally available treatment,” Wilczynski said.

Ni agreed, stressing that “statins are safe drugs.”

It is important to discuss with your provider if you are considering stopping statin therapy. You don’t have to stop taking them on your own.

“Ultimately, the patient and the doctor must work together,” said Ni. “The doctor should explain why you are taking certain medicines.

Your provider can talk with you about ways to manage statin side effects and give you information about other options you may have.