Millions of people take cholesterol-lowering medicines every day to help protect their hearts and blood vessels.
Doctors often prescribe these medicines to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially for older adults and people with high cholesterol.
They are among the most widely used medicines in the world and have helped save many lives. Even so, researchers continue to study whether these drugs may have other effects on the body beyond lowering cholesterol.
There are different kinds of cholesterol-lowering medicines. The most common are statins, including well-known medicines such as Lipitor and Crestor. Statins reduce the amount of cholesterol made by the liver, making it easier to keep cholesterol levels under control.
A newer group of medicines is called PCSK9 inhibitors. Instead of reducing cholesterol production, these medicines help the body remove more cholesterol from the bloodstream. They can be very effective, especially for people whose cholesterol remains high even after taking statins or for those who cannot tolerate statins.
Although both types of medicine are effective, scientists are learning that they may also influence other parts of the body. New research suggests that PCSK9 inhibitors could affect lung health in ways that are not yet fully understood. The findings do not prove that these medicines are harmful to the lungs, but they highlight the need for more long-term research.
The researchers also found that statins may be linked with unexpected changes. Some people may be more likely to gain weight or develop more body fat while taking these medicines. The study also suggested that statins could lower testosterone levels, a hormone that plays important roles in both men and women.
There was also a finding that could be encouraging. The research suggested that statins might increase the size of the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in memory, learning, and emotions. If future studies confirm this effect, it could help explain whether statins have a role in reducing the risk of conditions such as dementia or depression.
The study was led by Kitty Pham, a Ph.D. student at the University of South Australia, and the findings were published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Instead of running a very long clinical trial, the researchers used genetic information to explore how these medicines might affect different parts of the body. This approach allows scientists to estimate possible long-term effects more quickly while providing useful clues for future research.
Genes are like an instruction book for the human body. By studying natural genetic differences, researchers can better understand why some people respond differently to the same medicine. The team found that certain genetic traits may make some people more likely to gain weight while taking statins, showing that not everyone reacts in the same way.
The findings do not mean people should stop taking their cholesterol medicine. These drugs remain highly effective at lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of serious heart disease. Anyone who notices unexpected weight gain, breathing changes, or other new symptoms while taking these medicines should speak with their doctor rather than stopping treatment on their own.
This research adds to scientists’ understanding of how cholesterol medicines work throughout the body. As more studies are completed, doctors may be able to choose treatments that better match each person’s health needs. Learning more about both the benefits and possible side effects of these medicines could help people receive safer and more personalized care.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how vitamin D influences cholesterol levels, and what we know about egg intake and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about best supplements for heart disease prevention, and wild blueberries can benefit your heart and brain.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
