What to expect from statin therapy for angina

With angina, statin therapy is usually a long-term medicine plan that lowers harmful blood cholesterol and helps protect the arteries. It is taken on a regular schedule, often at the same time each day, and works alongside other parts of angina care. The medicine may not relieve chest discomfort during an episode, so continue to follow your prescribed plan for immediate symptom relief and do not use a statin as a substitute for it.

Angina commonly reflects reduced blood flow to heart muscle because the coronary arteries are narrowed. Lowering cholesterol can slow the build-up of fatty material and reduce the chance of further artery disease, although it does not remove an existing episode of chest pain. Your clinician may check cholesterol and liver health, review other medicines, and adjust treatment according to your response and medical history.

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and mention missed doses at your next review rather than doubling up without advice. Tell the prescriber about liver problems, pregnancy or plans for pregnancy, heavy alcohol use, and all medicines or supplements. Report unexplained muscle pain, weakness, dark urine or yellowing of the skin promptly. Keep follow-up appointments so your treatment and blood tests can be reviewed.

Call emergency services for chest pressure or pain that is severe, new, lasts longer than your usual angina, occurs at rest, or comes with sweating, nausea, faintness or breathlessness. Do not wait for a statin review during a suspected heart attack. Use your prescribed angina action plan while seeking help, if you have been given one.

Ask what the statin is intended to achieve, when cholesterol or liver checks are due, and what to do if you miss a dose. Ask how to distinguish possible medicine effects from symptoms needing urgent care, and whether any of your other medicines or supplements interact with it.