Key takeaways

  • The FDA has issued updated guidelines regarding the use of statins to manage high cholesterol, based on years of research.
  • Statins are a conventional treatment for high LDL cholesterol, but lifestyle changes such as exercise (40 minutes of aerobic activity 3-4 times per week) and diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and limiting sodium) can also improve cholesterol levels.
  • The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology have also updated their recommendations for lifestyle modifications to help people manage high cholesterol.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for a lot of health-related issues. Among other responsibilities, the FDA issues warnings about medication side effects and problems. Recently, they released a new set of guidelines designed to help doctors and patients better manage the use of statins for treating high cholesterol. The following sections present information that can help you better understand these guidelines and how they affect you.

Approximately one in three American adults have high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This type of cholesterol is commonly called “bad” cholesterol. As LDL levels in the blood rise, plaque settles on artery walls. Soon, the arteries become narrowed. Eventually, the arteries and vessels may become blocked entirely.

When left undiagnosed or untreated, high LDL levels can become deadly, as they can lead to coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. These conditions increase your risk for a major vascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke. For decades, doctors have tried to reduce cholesterol levels by prescribing medications and lifestyle changes.

Diet and exercise can go a long way toward reducing cholesterol levels, but sometimes these measures aren’t enough. The most common high cholesterol treatment is a statin. Statin medications are designed to reduce LDL levels in the blood. For most people, statins safely lower LDL levels.

Most people with high cholesterol who start taking statins will need to do so for the rest of their lives. However, some may be able to stop if they successfully lower their cholesterol levels through diet, weight loss, exercise, or some other means.

These medicines aren’t for everyone. In light of their possible side effects, the FDA released new guidelines that can help patients and their physicians effectively monitor potential side effects and issues caused by statin medicines.

Cholesterol-lowering statin medications have a long history of successfully treating and lowering cholesterol levels. The longer people take statins, the more science learns about the possible side effects. That’s why the FDA recently released new guidelines for statin use. Decades of research and study revealed a few important issues.

  • A warning that statins may
    cause cognitive impairment. These issues include memory loss, confusion, and
    forgetfulness.
  • A notice that routine liver
    enzyme monitoring is no longer necessary. Liver enzyme tests were used for
    decades as a way to catch potential liver damage. However, the FDA has found
    that these checks aren’t effective. The new recommendation: Doctors should perform
    a liver enzyme test before statin use begins. Then patients should be checked
    again if symptoms of liver damage appear.
  • A warning that people taking
    statins may experience increased blood sugar levels and may develop type 2
    diabetes. People taking statins should have their blood-sugar levels checked
    regularly.
  • A warning that those taking
    lovastatin, a type of statin medication, are at risk for muscle damage. People
    taking this type of medicine should be aware of this possible drug interaction.

In the fall of 2013, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) updated their recommendations about statin medications. In addition to expanding the possible pool of people who may benefit from the medicine, they also updated lifestyle guidelines for people with high cholesterol.

Exercise

Individuals diagnosed with high cholesterol should try to get 40 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week. Ideal activities include brisk walking, bicycling, swimming, or even dancing.

Diet

Good eating habits can also help reduce your risk of complications, lower your cholesterol, and prevent other conditions. The AHA and ACC recommend people eat at least four to five servings of both fruits and vegetables each day. People with high cholesterol should also aim to eat more whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy products. They should limit the amount of meat, poultry, and fish they eat to no more than 6 ounces per day.

People with high cholesterol should reduce their sodium intake. The average American eats 3,600 milligrams of sodium in a day. The AHA recommends that all Americans should aim to get that number down to no more than 1,500 milligrams per day.