BOSTON, MA –The market for cholesterol-lowering drugs is a multibillion dollar business. With the arrival of new statins, patients are faced with the question of which brand is the best. The December issue of Harvard Heart Letter dissects the myriad of choices and equips readers with sound ways to maximize the benefits of statins, regardless of their brand.

Although the six leading statins on the market target the same step in the cholesterol-making process, there are differences between them. To help readers distinguish among the selection, the December issue of Harvard Heart Letter examines these leading statins based on potency, proof of benefits, cost, and side effects.

The Harvard Heart Letter points out, getting the most out of statins and following intake guidelines can be more important than which brand a person takes. The December issue suggests the following ways readers can improve the effectiveness of statins:

pay attention to the necessity of food intake determine with your physician or pharmacist the best time of day for intake be aware of certain drug interactions evaluate side effects