Cholesterol-lowering drugs are commonly prescribed to help prevent heart disease and other health problems, especially as we get older.
These medicines are important tools for keeping our blood vessels healthy and lowering the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even diabetes. But while they usually work well, new research shows they might come with some unexpected effects.
The most commonly used cholesterol medicines are called statins. You might know them by names like Lipitor or Crestor. Statins work by slowing down the body’s production of cholesterol.
There’s also a newer group of drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors, which work differently. Instead of stopping the body from making cholesterol, they help remove cholesterol already in the cells. These drugs are less well known and are often used when statins aren’t enough.
Researchers recently looked more closely at how these medicines affect the body—not just cholesterol levels, but other parts of our health too. What they found is both interesting and a little surprising.
Some Unexpected Side Effects
The newer PCSK9 inhibitors may have effects on the lungs. The study showed that people using these drugs might face a slightly higher risk of lung-related problems. Because these drugs haven’t been around as long, scientists are still trying to understand their full long-term effects.
Statins, which have been used for decades, also have some unexpected side effects. Some people taking statins may notice they’ve gained weight or have more body fat. Others may have lower levels of testosterone, a hormone that plays an important role in both men and women.
On the other hand, there’s also a possible benefit that came as a surprise. The study found that statins might increase the size of the hippocampus—a part of the brain involved in memory and emotions.
A larger hippocampus may help protect against memory loss, dementia, and depression. So while some effects may be negative, others could be helpful in ways we didn’t expect.
How Did Researchers Find This Out?
These findings come from a study led by Kitty Pham, a PhD student at the University of South Australia. Her team used a method called genetic analysis to explore how cholesterol-lowering drugs affect different parts of the body.
Instead of running a typical drug trial, the researchers studied people’s genetic data. Our genes are like blueprints that show how our bodies work. By looking at patterns in people’s genes, the researchers could predict how certain drugs might affect weight, hormone levels, brain health, and more.
This kind of research is useful because traditional drug trials can be expensive, take many years, and may not reveal long-term effects. Using genetics allows scientists to get answers faster and more efficiently.
What Should You Do With This Information?
If you’re taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, don’t worry—these findings don’t mean you should stop. These medications have saved many lives by lowering the risk of serious heart conditions.
But it’s always a good idea to stay informed and talk to your doctor. If you’re on statins and notice weight gain or changes in mood, bring it up during your next appointment. If you’re on a PCSK9 inhibitor and feel short of breath or have other lung-related symptoms, don’t ignore them—tell your doctor right away.
Medicines are powerful tools, but like any tool, they need to be used carefully. Your doctor can help weigh the benefits and risks, and adjust your treatment if needed. The goal is always the same: to help you stay as healthy and active as possible.
This study reminds us that even well-known medications can affect the body in unexpected ways. It was published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, and it adds to our growing understanding of how medicine and the body interact.
As research continues, we’ll learn even more about how to get the most out of these important drugs—while avoiding potential downsides.
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