Statin

A cholesterol-lowering medication that reduces heart-attack risk.

Statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin) block the liver enzyme that makes cholesterol. They cut LDL by 30-55% and reduce heart attacks and strokes in people at moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk. Muscle aches are the most common side effect; serious liver or muscle injury is rare.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed June 2026

Related conditions