Understanding Cholesterol & Statins

 

Key Information

  • The River Analogy: Imagine your arteries are like rivers carrying vital oxygen to your organs. When healthy, these rivers are wide and clear.
  • The Problem: "Bad" cholesterol acts like a sticky sludge in the water. Over time, this sludge clings to the riverbanks (artery walls), making the channel narrower.
  • The Risk: You cannot feel this buildup happening, but if it continues, it can lead to a complete blockage, causing a heart attack or stroke.
  • How Statins Work: A statin is a preventative medicine. It does not remove existing sludge. Instead, it acts on the “sludge factory” (your liver), reducing the amount of new cholesterol entering your system.
  • The Goal: By slowing down cholesterol production, statins help keep your arteries clearer for longer, significantly reducing your risk of future blockages.
 

What Happens Next?

If you have been offered a statin, it is because your risk of developing these blockages is higher than average.

We understand that starting long-term medication is a big decision. If you have questions or concerns, please get in touch so we can discuss them.

 

Further Information

For more information about cholesterol and statins, including common questions about side effects and how to take them, please visit the NHS website.

 

Last reviewed: 21 March 2026
Next review due: 21 March 2029