Statins: How They Work, Side Effects & Grapefruit

Plaque in arteries builds quietly. Lowering LDL with a statin — often alongside blood pressure control and not smoking — reduces the chance that plaque ruptures and blocks a coronary artery. People who have already had a heart attack or stroke usually get a statin unless there is a clear reason not to.

If side effects bother you, dose adjustment or switching statins often helps. Stopping entirely without a plan throws away years of risk reduction.

Many people report mild aching in thighs or shoulders when they start a statin. Serious rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown releasing proteins that harm kidneys — is uncommon but shows up as severe pain, weakness, and dark tea-colored urine. Report new muscle symptoms; do not assume you must tolerate them.

Grapefruit inhibits enzymes that clear certain statins from the body, raising blood levels and toxicity risk. Simvastatin and lovastatin are most affected; atorvastatin and rosuvastatin less so. If morning grapefruit juice is non-negotiable, tell your pharmacist — there may be a better statin match.