Cholesterol-lowering drugs are widely used around the world, especially by older adults, to protect the heart and blood vessels. These medications help lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even some types of diabetes. While they are often life-saving, new research suggests they may also cause some unexpected changes in the body that people should know about.
The most common type of cholesterol medicine is called a statin. You may have heard of brand names like Lipitor or Crestor. Statins work by slowing down the liver’s ability to make cholesterol, which helps reduce the buildup of fat in the blood vessels. This makes it easier for blood to flow and lowers the chance of heart disease.
In more recent years, a newer kind of medicine has been developed—called PCSK9 inhibitors. These medicines work differently from statins. Instead of stopping cholesterol from being made, they help clear cholesterol out of the blood.
They are usually given to people who can’t take statins or who still have high cholesterol even after using statins. Because they are newer, scientists are still learning about their full effects.
A team of researchers in Australia, led by PhD student Kitty Pham, recently looked into how these cholesterol-lowering drugs affect the body beyond just cholesterol levels. What they found is quite interesting, and in some cases, surprising.
One unexpected discovery was that people using PCSK9 inhibitors may have a slightly higher chance of developing lung problems. These effects are not fully understood yet, and more research is needed to find out how serious or common they are. But because these drugs haven’t been used for as long as statins, their long-term safety is still being studied.
Statins, which have been around for decades, are better understood. However, this study found that they might also cause changes we didn’t expect. For example, some people taking statins gained weight or had more body fat. Others had lower testosterone levels, which is a hormone important for energy, mood, and sexual health in both men and women.
But it wasn’t all bad news. One surprising benefit the researchers found was that statins might actually increase the size of the hippocampus—a part of the brain that helps with memory and emotions.
A larger hippocampus could mean better protection against memory loss, depression, and diseases like dementia. So while statins may have some unwanted side effects, they might also offer hidden benefits.
How did the researchers figure all this out? Instead of doing a traditional drug trial, which can take years, they used a special kind of research called genetic analysis. This involves looking at people’s genes to understand how their bodies react to certain medications.
Our genes act like instruction books for how our bodies work. By studying these patterns, the researchers were able to predict how drugs might affect things like body weight, hormone levels, and brain health.
This type of research is faster and often more affordable than running a long-term clinical trial. It gives scientists early clues about what drugs might be doing behind the scenes.
So, what does this mean for you if you’re taking cholesterol-lowering medicine? First, don’t panic. These drugs have helped millions of people avoid heart attacks and strokes. The benefits are still clear, especially for people at high risk of heart disease.
However, it’s always wise to stay informed. If you notice changes in your weight, mood, or hormone-related symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. If you’re using a PCSK9 inhibitor and experience shortness of breath or other breathing issues, don’t ignore it—bring it up right away.
Medicines are powerful tools, but they work best when used with care and awareness. Your doctor can help you make the best choices based on your personal health needs.
This research, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, reminds us that even trusted medicines can have side effects we don’t always expect. As science continues to grow, we will keep learning how to use these medications more wisely—getting the benefits while avoiding the risks.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk, and Vitamin K2 could help reduce heart disease risk.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about how to remove plaques that cause heart attacks, and results showing a new way to prevent heart attacks, strokes.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
