Cholesterol and Statins: A Guide for Pakistani Patients
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Pakistan, and it often strikes South Asians at a younger age. High LDL cholesterol is a major cause that you can treat. This guide explains your lipid report and the statin medicines you are likely to be prescribed. It is prepared by the Medicine Online pharmacy team under the medical oversight of Dr. Farhan Rashid Abbasi.
Reading your lipid profile
- LDL ("bad") cholesterol: the main target of treatment. Your goal depends on your overall risk; people who have had a heart attack or stroke, or who have diabetes, usually need much lower targets.
- HDL ("good") cholesterol: higher is generally better.
- Triglycerides: raised by sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol and uncontrolled diabetes.
How statins work
Statins reduce the cholesterol made by the liver and lower LDL by roughly 30–50% or more, depending on the medicine and dose. They also stabilise the fatty plaques in arteries, lowering the chance of a heart attack or stroke.
Rosuvastatin
Rovista 10 mg, Rovista 20 mg, X-Plended 10 mg, X-Plended 20 mg.
Atorvastatin
Lipiget 10 mg, Lipiget 20 mg, Lipiget 40 mg, Lipitor 20 mg.
Both can be taken at any time of day, but taking them at the same time every day helps you remember.
Statin plus ezetimibe ("EZ" tablets)
Ezetimibe blocks cholesterol absorption from food. Combinations such as Rovista EZ, X-Plended EZ and Lipiget EZ are used when a statin alone does not reach the target.
Side effects and safety
- Muscle aches are the most talked-about side effect. Mild aches are fairly common and often unrelated, but tell your doctor about unexplained muscle pain, weakness or dark urine.
- Your doctor may check liver tests before starting.
- Statins can slightly raise blood sugar, but the heart protection is far greater than this risk for most people with diabetes.
- Do not take statins in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor about other medicines; some antibiotics, antifungals and HIV medicines interact with statins.
Lifestyle still matters
- Cut down on ghee, fried snacks, bakery items and sweets.
- Choose whole grains, daal, vegetables, fruit and nuts.
- Walk briskly for at least 30 minutes most days.
- Stop smoking, including sheesha.
Browse cholesterol medicines and cardiovascular medicines.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stop my statin once my cholesterol is normal?
Usually no. Your cholesterol is normal because of the statin; stopping it lets LDL rise again within weeks. Talk to your doctor before making any change.
Is rosuvastatin stronger than atorvastatin?
Milligram for milligram, rosuvastatin lowers LDL more, but both are effective. Your doctor chooses the medicine and dose that fits your risk and other medicines.
Related guides: Blood pressure medicines guide · Type 2 diabetes medicines explained
Medically reviewed under the oversight of Dr. Farhan Rashid Abbasi. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.
