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Heart Health
Statins vs. supplements: A reckoning
A study showed that statins lower harmful LDL cholesterol better than dietary supplements. Whether and when you need statins is another question.
- By Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
Your recent blood test shows that your LDL (bad) cholesterol is on the high side. Do you take a prescription cholesterol-lowing statin, or choose a dietary supplement that "supports heart health" from the myriad on display at your local drugstore?
Many people choose the latter, which is a source of great consternation for most cardiologists. Why would people shun an inexpensive, safe medication in favor of capsules made from unregulated products in bottles labeled with vague promises? These concerns inspired a recent study (see "Supplement standoff"). "The results clearly show that if you need to lower your LDL, a statin works, and these supplements do not," says Dr. Christopher Cannon, editor in chief of the Harvard Heart Letter.
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About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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Managing Your Cholesterol
Managing Your Cholesterol offers up-to-date information to help you or a loved one keep cholesterol in check. The report spells out what are healthy and unhealthy cholesterol levels, and offers specific ways to keep cholesterol in line. It covers cholesterol tests and the genetics of cholesterol. The report also focuses on treatments based on the latest scientific evidence, including the pros and cons of statins and other medications, and provides the lowdown on other substances advertised to lower cholesterol. Managing Your Cholesterol can also help you work with your doctor to individualize your treatment.
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