Cholesterol-lowering drugs are some of the most commonly prescribed medicines, especially for older adults. They help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems by keeping cholesterol levels under control. But new research suggests these drugs might have some unexpected side effects that are worth knowing about.
The two main types of cholesterol-lowering drugs are statins and PCSK9 inhibitors. Statins, such as Lipitor or Crestor, work by slowing down how much cholesterol your body makes. PCSK9 inhibitors, which are newer, work differently. Instead of stopping cholesterol production, they help your body remove cholesterol from inside its cells.
Both types of drugs are effective at lowering cholesterol, which is why they’re often recommended. However, scientists are learning that these medications might also affect other parts of the body in ways we didn’t expect.
In a recent study led by Kitty Pham, a Ph.D. student at the University of South Australia, researchers found some surprising results. Pham and her team looked at how genes interact with these drugs. They used genetic data from thousands of people to predict how different medications might affect the body over time.
One of the most concerning findings involved PCSK9 inhibitors. The study showed that people using these drugs may be at a higher risk for lung problems. Since these medications are still relatively new, more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects.
Statins, the more commonly used drugs, were also linked to some side effects. For example, some people taking statins might gain weight or body fat. The study also found that statin users could experience lower levels of testosterone, a hormone that plays a key role in health for both men and women.
But not all the findings were negative. One unexpected and potentially positive discovery was that statins might increase the size of the hippocampus, a part of the brain that helps with memory and emotions. This could possibly lower the risk of dementia or depression, though more studies are needed to confirm this benefit.
The study used a method called Mendelian randomization, which relies on genetic information to study how certain traits and medications might be connected. This method is helpful because it avoids some of the problems that can happen in traditional drug trials, such as high costs or long waiting times.
Instead of giving people drugs and watching what happens, researchers used people’s genetic blueprints to estimate how they might respond to certain medications. For example, if someone has genes that act like statins, scientists can study the long-term effects of statins without needing to give that person the actual drug.
If you’re currently taking a statin or a PCSK9 inhibitor, there’s no reason to panic or stop taking your medication. These drugs are prescribed because they lower your risk of serious health problems. However, it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor if you notice any changes in your body—like weight gain, hormone-related symptoms, or breathing issues.
Doctors prescribe medications based on your individual health needs. If a certain drug is causing problems, there might be another option that works better for you. Open conversations with your healthcare provider are the key to getting the best care.
This research helps doctors understand the broader effects of these medications, and it helps patients make informed decisions. Medications aren’t one-size-fits-all, and studies like this one remind us that it’s important to look at the big picture when it comes to our health.
The study was published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and adds an important piece to the puzzle in understanding how cholesterol-lowering drugs affect more than just our hearts.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that vitamin K helps cut heart disease risk by a third, and a year of exercise reversed worrisome heart failure.
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