148. Statins to lower cholesterol might not help heart health
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Statins, medications to lower cholesterol, used by over 200 million people across the world, might not do much to lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke. According to a new study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland found statins had an “inconsistent and inconclusive impact” on cardiovascular disease outcomes. They believe that the benefits from lowering LDL cholesterol using statin drugs might be specific to each person based on other risk factors. It’s important to talk to your doctor about statins and other treatments to lower your risk of heart disease.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
