Patient Education

Heart Health Library

Our Health Library does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their heart health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Effects of statins on heart attack or stroke risk

For people at low risk of a heart attack or stroke, about 3 out of 100 will have a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years if they don't take statins. About 2 out of 100 will have a heart attack or stroke if they do take statins. For people at moderate risk of a heart attack or stroke, about 10 out of 100 will have a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years if they don't take statins. About 8 out of 100 will have a heart attack or stroke if they do take statins. For people at high risk of a heart attack or stroke, about 20 out of 100 will have a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years if they don't take statins. About 15 out of 100 will have a heart attack or stroke if they do take statins.

Evidence shows that statins may lower a person's chance of having a heart attack or stroke, especially for people who are at high risk for one.

The tables above show the number of people who will have a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years, arranged by risk level.

The information shown here is based on the best available evidence.

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.