Various medications can lower blood cholesterol levels. Statins are recommended for most patients because they are the only cholesterol-lowering drug class that has been directly associated with reduced risk for heart attack and stroke. Your doctor may consider other medications as well, especially if you have serious side effects or don’t have an adequate response to statin therapy alone.

The guidelines recommend people talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits of statin therapy if they fall into one of the following groups:

Some patients who do not fall into these four major categories may also benefit from statin therapy.

Any decision about treatment should be the result of you working with your doctor to decide the best preventive strategy.
View an animation to see how cholesterol drugs work.

*Some of the major types of commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications are summarized in this section. For your information and reference, we have included generic names as well as major trade names to help you identify what you may be taking; however, the AHA is not recommending or endorsing any specific products. If your prescription medication isn't on this list, remember that your healthcare provider and pharmacist are your best sources of information. It's important to discuss all of the drugs you take with your doctor and understand their desired effects and possible side effects. Never stop taking a medication and never change your dose or frequency without first consulting your doctor.

*Some cholesterol-lowering medications may interact with grapefruit, grapefruit juice, pomegranate and pomegranate juice. Please talk to your health care provider about any potential risks.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are scientific studies that determine if a possible new medical advance can help people and whether it has harmful side effects. Find answers to common questions about clinical trials in our Guide to Understanding Clinical Trials.

Drug Therapy for Cholesterol