Advertisement
The short answer from a cardiologist
A: Yes. There have been several clinical studies — many of them done here at Cleveland Clinic — that show statins can reverse plaque buildup.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Two statins in particular, atorvastatin, which is sold under the brand name Lipitor, and rosuvastatin, which is sold under the brand name Crestor, are the strongest statins.
Clinical studies using ultrasound in the coronary arteries have shown that when you are on high doses of these medicines, even if you have plaque buildup already, you can stabilize the plaque on statin therapy.
If your LDL cholesterol is lowered below 70 mg/dL, you can even see a regression in the plaque by up to 24%. So having really a low LDL cholesterol level can help stabilize any plaque buildup you have, and prevent further plaque progression.
— Cardiologist Steven Nissen, MD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
There’s not enough evidence to show that this supplement has any effect on muscle aches from cholesterol-lowering meds
Erythritol is found in a range of “diet,” “sugar-free” and “keto-friendly” foods — but research has linked it to heart attack and stroke
Although allulose is an FDA-approved sugar substitute, more research is needed to understand its safety
Studies show those who walk faster tend to have a lower risk of heart disease
Recognizing subtle symptoms, like cold sweats, stomach discomfort and nausea, could be the key to survival
Statin use has been associated with weight gain but the reasons aren’t clear — and the benefits of statins far outweigh the risks
Some statins have been shown to slightly increase your risk of diabetes — but that shouldn’t keep you from taking the medication you need
Research points to an association between the health of your gums and cardiovascular disease
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods