Statin drugs are for people at a high risk for heart attack or stroke. They can lower cholesterol levels and should be considered for people at a long-term risk for these health events. According to the Mayo Clinic, statin drugs may even have some benefit for people without high cholesterol.

The National Institutes of Health's magazine NIH MedlinePlus reports adults should have their cholesterol levels checked every five years. Total cholesterol levels should be below 200 milligrams per deciliter for most people. Anything over 240 mg is considered high.

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There is so-called good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). Another form of fat in the body to watch is called triglycerides, which can also increase the risk of heart disease.

While diet, weight, exercise, and genetics all affect cholesterol levels, some patients could benefit by the use of statin drugs. The main thing to consider is how at risk a patient may be for a heart attack.

The U.K. National Health Service advises statins should be considered by people who have been diagnosed with some form of cardiovascular disease. They could also be important in preserving health for people who have a family history of cardiovascular disease. Aside from high cholesterol patients, those who have coronary heart disease, angina,peripheral arterial disease, or who have had a mini-stroke, could benefit from statin drugs.

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Other considerations include; blood pressure, age and gender, history of smoking, and other chronic health conditions.

The Federal Drug Administration lists several side effects of the drugs that should also be considered. People on statins may find themselves at an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, and they may also experience memory problems. Interactions with some medications have been known to cause muscle damage. Liver damage is also a rare, but potential side effect.

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