Which Statin Is Right for You?

Written by Kevin Hwang, MD, MPH | Reviewed by Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Updated on June 15, 2026

Key takeaways:

• Statins are a group of medications that treat high cholesterol levels. Names of statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor, Atorvaliq), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor, FloLipid).
• There isn’t one best statin to take. No individual statin has been proved to be best at preventing heart attacks and strokes. But there is evidence that rosuvastatin and atorvastatin decrease harmful cholesterol more than other statins.
• Some people will clearly benefit from taking a statin. But statins are not a good idea for others, based on individual risk factors. Work with your healthcare team to find out if statins are a good choice for you.

Your body needs cholesterol to make cells, some hormones, and vitamin D. But too much cholesterol leads to atherosclerosis, which is the medical term for the buildup of sludge (also known as plaque) in your arteries.

Why does this matter? Arteries are the blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to your body. When they get clogged, it reduces blood flow to tissues and organs. This prevents the delivery of vital nutrients and oxygen and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

High cholesterol can be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes and by taking prescription medications such as statins. Below are details about what statins are used for and who should take them.

What are statins, and what are they used for?

Statins are a group of medications that lower cholesterol levels. They also help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Statins work by blocking an enzyme (protein) that your body uses to make cholesterol. By blocking this protein (called HMG-CoA reductase), statins lower the amount of cholesterol your body makes. This lowers your risk of developing atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). ASCVD is a type of heart disease caused by atherosclerosis that can lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Statins have different effects on various cholesterol and cholesterol-related molecules:

• Lowers LDL cholesterol levels: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” type of cholesterol and is most closely linked to ASCVD. The lower the better.
• Slightly raises HDL cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the “good” type of cholesterol. The higher the better.
• Lowers triglyceride levels: Triglycerides are a type of fat that your body makes from the foods you eat. High triglycerides are linked to a greater risk of heart disease. The lower the better.

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