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SearchThe 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.
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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
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Up to 30% of people who take the cholesterol-lowering medication feel aches and soreness
There’s not enough evidence to show that this supplement has any effect on muscle aches from cholesterol-lowering meds
There’s no limit on the amount you should have each day, but experts are focused on saturated fat
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
Lifestyle adjustments can help you raise your HDL, the ‘good’ cholesterol
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