# What are statins, and why are they considered the cornerstone of treatment for high cholesterol? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-al-statins-w-limatha-tuctabar-hajar-al-zawiya-fi-ilaj-al-cholesterol Language: en Category: medicines Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.182Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.182Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-hiya-al-statins-w-limatha-tuctabar-hajar-al-zawiya-fi-ilaj-al-cholesterol Statins are a class of medications that are considered the most common and effective treatment option for controlling high blood cholesterol levels. Their fundamental importance lies in their ability to reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver itself, in addition to enhancing the liver's ability to remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream [\[1\]](). When LDL cholesterol levels rise above normal limits, it may accumulate on the arterial walls, causing them to narrow or become blocked, which significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke [\[3\]](). ## How Statins Work in the Body Statins work by inhibiting a vital pathway within liver cells responsible for cholesterol production. Since the body requires certain levels of cholesterol to perform its functions, this inhibition stimulates the liver to increase the efficiency and number of receptors that pull LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. This therapeutic strategy aims to lower blood cholesterol levels to reduce the likelihood of future accumulation in blood vessels, which helps protect cardiovascular health in the long term [\[3\]](). ## When Do Doctors Recommend Using Statins? Statins are not prescribed automatically for everyone; rather, the medical decision is based on a precise assessment of individual risks and cholesterol levels. Doctors typically turn to these medications when lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, do not succeed in lowering cholesterol to the target range, or in cases requiring preventive pharmacological intervention, which include [\[1\]](): - Patients who have previously had a heart attack, stroke, or those suffering from peripheral artery disease. - Cases where the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level reaches 190 mg/dL or higher. - People in the 40 to 75 age group who have diabetes, provided their LDL cholesterol level is 70 mg/dL or higher. - Individuals between 40 and 75 years old who have a high risk of developing heart disease or stroke, with an LDL level of 70 mg/dL or higher [\[3\]](). ## Adherence to Treatment and Follow-up It is important to realize that statins are not a temporary treatment or a definitive cure, but a medical tool to control cholesterol levels. Consistency in taking the medication according to the doctor's instructions is vital, even if test results improve, because stopping them suddenly may lead to cholesterol levels rising again [\[2\]](). Patients should discuss any concerns regarding side effects with their medical team and not make an individual decision to stop the medication. For more details on managing medication challenges, you can review our article: [Cholesterol Medications: When Do You Need Them and How to Manage Their Side Effects? (Arabic)](), where we review ways to handle therapeutic response and the necessary periodic examinations to ensure lipid levels remain within a safe, healthy range [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [Cholesterol Medicines]() - [Bile acid sequestrants for cholesterol]() - [Cholesterol-Lowering Medicines]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-al-statins-w-limatha-tuctabar-hajar-al-zawiya-fi-ilaj-al-cholesterol#answer