Tag: Pleiotropic effects

Extensive clinical trials have shown that statins can significantly reduce C-reactive protein (CRP), a key marker of inflammation, by as much as 13% to 37% [1.3.4, 1.3.6, 1.5.5]. This raises the critical question: **Do statins reduce inflammation** independently of their cholesterol-lowering effects?

According to the American Brain Foundation, cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) affects up to 100% of individuals over 90, yet a targeted treatment beyond risk factor management is still lacking. The question of whether statins help cerebral small vessel disease involves analyzing both their lipid-lowering and non-cholesterol-related protective effects on the brain's microvasculature.

Statins are one of the most widely prescribed medications globally, with millions of adults taking them for cardiovascular health. For many, the benefits extend beyond blood test results, leading to the question, 'Why do I feel better on statins?'.

Over 200 million people worldwide take statin drugs for heart health, yet many are surprised to find they simply feel better after taking statins, beyond just seeing their cholesterol numbers drop. This improvement in well-being often comes from the medication's wide-ranging 'pleiotropic' effects that go far beyond their primary function of lowering LDL cholesterol.

A large-scale meta-analysis involving over 170,000 participants over five years revealed a significant reduction in major cardiovascular events for those on statin therapy. Understanding **what are the 5 year benefits of statins** is crucial for appreciating their profound and sustained impact on long-term heart health and mortality risk.