? People 40 to 75 years old with an LDL level below 190 mg/dL but who have a high risk of heart attack or stroke of 7.5 percent or greater over the next 10 years.
Note: Our medical advisers say that if you fall into this category, you should consider a statin, but for some people, especially those with a 10-year risk less than 10 percent, diet and lifestyle changes could be the first step—those changes could lower your risk enough that you are no longer considered a candidate for a statin.
? Older than 75 with a history of heart disease or heart problems.
? At an increased risk of side effects from a high-intensity statin—this includes:
1. People older than 75, those with multiple and/or serious medical conditions, such as impaired kidney or liver function, those with a history of stroke or muscle disorders
2. People who currently use medications that could interact with statins
3. People of Asian heritage