For decades, Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer has graced screens in everything from comedies that celebrate the importance of friendship, like Thunder Force, to films that explore injustice throughout history, like The Help. This year, she took on another important role: partnering with the Detect the SOS collective, a public health initiative raising awareness about the connection between type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease and encouraging people to ask their doctor about a urine test called the uACR. In an exclusive interview with Woman’s World, Spencer opened up about her experience managing both conditions, the type 2 diabetes symptom she didn’t realize was a warning sign and why this quick urine test is worth asking your doctor about.

Spencer’s experience being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

You’ve probably heard of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, but here’s a quick refresher on what’s happening in our bodies when we develop these conditions. “High blood pressure, or hypertension, means the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high,” explains Kardie Tobb, DO, MS, FASPC, FACC, a board‑certified preventive cardiologist and the medical director for the Cone Health HeartCare Women’s Heart Health and Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic. “Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body doesn’t use insulin effectively, so sugar builds up in the bloodstream instead of fueling your cells.”

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High blood pressure is often considered a “silent killer,” and the symptoms of type 2 diabetes can also be easy to overlook. Spencer shared that, when it came to her own diagnosis, she didn’t realize the symptoms she was experiencing were signs of type 2 diabetes.

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“I was tipping the scale at about 300 pounds, and I felt great,” Spencer told Woman’s World. “The only thing that I realize now that was a symptom [was that] I was thirsty all the time, and I was currently using the bathroom all the time. But I thought I was using the bathroom all the time because I was drinking so much water, and those were the only symptoms. And this was about 20 years ago. I was getting a routine physical for a film project that I was about to do, and that’s when I discovered I had very elevated blood sugar, and that I already had type 2 diabetes, and it was very scary to get that diagnosis because I felt fine.”

Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS, family medicine physician, health advocate and founder of Clinicians Who Care, describes excessive thirst as a common, often overlooked warning sign of diabetes.

“This happens because the kidneys are unable to filter excess sugar in your blood and respond by attempting to remove it, which increases urination and raises the risk of dehydration,” explains Dr. Bayo. 

“When they say ‘silent killer,’ that’s for all of us who think we feel fine,” Spencer continued. “It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t go to the doctor. We should always. If it’s just your yearly physical, you should make sure to have [it] because they at least do the broad strokes to make sure that we’re in optimum health.”

Spencer’s advice to those recently diagnosed 

Spencer shared that she has been living with type 2 diabetes for 20 years and high blood pressure for about seven to 10 years, adding that both conditions are now well managed under her doctor’s care.

“It’s scary to hear the diagnosis at first, but you learn to manage it,” says Spencer. She adds that with the right medication, healthy habits and medical care, living with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure can feel a lot less scary.

What is the uACR test?

“uACR stands for urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio,” says Dr. Tobb. “It’s a simple lab test run on a urine sample that measures whether tiny amounts of a protein called albumin are leaking into your urine. Healthy kidneys keep albumin in the bloodstream, so even small amounts appearing in urine can be one of the earliest detectable signs of kidney stress.”

“One of the things that I didn’t know about having type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure is that you have a greater risk of having chronic kidney disease,” says Spencer. 

“So it’s important to know not only what’s going on with your blood pressure and your diabetes, but also we need to know what’s going on with our kidneys,” continues Spencer. 

Spencer encourages people living with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure to advocate for themselves by asking their doctor about the uACR test.

“It’s very simple. It doesn’t hurt. They’re already going to screen…give you a urine test, and all you’re asking them to do is perform one more test from the sample that they’re already providing,” says Spencer. 

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How to ask your doctor for a uACR test 

So you’re ready to advocate for yourself and ask your doctor for a uACR test at your next physical, but you’re not sure exactly what to say. Here’s Dr. Bayo’s recommendation: “I suggest saying to your doctor: ‘I read that a uACR test can catch early kidney damage from diabetes years before symptoms show up. I’d like to explore options with ordering this test.’”

“I would encourage patients to keep the conversation straightforward and collaborative,” adds Dr. Tobb. “One point I always emphasize is that preventive care works best when patients ask questions and stay engaged. The goal isn’t simply to diagnose disease; it’s to identify risk early enough to prevent complications.”

What Spencer wants others to know

“I know it might be scary to have one or the other or both, but it’s important to do everything we can to mitigate these diseases,” says Spencer. “And that’s why I’ve joined this collective: to put a face on type 2 diabetes…I have a great life, and I’m active. I want people to see me, and there’s so many like us.”

Receiving a health diagnosis, especially an unexpected one, can feel overwhelming, but Spencer’s message is clear: understanding your risk, staying on top of routine screenings and advocating for your health can go a long way.

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If you’re one of the 71 million Americans Johns Hopkins Medicine says are living with high cholesterol, you likely have a lot of questions, including ones about one of the most commonly used medications to treat it: statins. And if you’re one of millions of Americans living with prediabetes or diabetes, you may also be wondering whether statins raise blood sugar. We spoke to a top cardiologist to break down everything you need to know about statins and blood sugar.

What are statins?

“Statins are medications that lower LDL or bad cholesterol, one of the major contributors to plaque buildup in the arteries,” explains Kardie Tobb, DO, MS, FASPC, FACC, a board‑certified preventive cardiologist and the medical director for the Cone Health HeartCare Women’s Heart Health and Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic. “They work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that’s needed to make cholesterol. As a result, the liver pulls more LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream, lowering cholesterol levels and slowing the progression of atherosclerosis.  But statins do more than lower cholesterol. They also help stabilize plaque, making it less likely to rupture and cause a heart attack or stroke.”

Do statins raise blood sugar?

Although many people do well with statins, you’ve likely heard about some of the more commonly reported side effects, such as muscle soreness and increased liver enzymes. And yes, elevated blood sugar can be one of them too.

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“Statins can cause a modest increase in blood sugar in some people,” says Dr. Tobb. “For most individuals, the increase is small, often only a few points in fasting glucose or a slight rise in A1C.  We don’t completely understand why this happens, but research suggests statins may slightly reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin or modestly affect insulin secretion from the pancreas.”

What does this mean for you?

If you’re already on a statin or considering taking one, you’re likely wondering what the connection between elevated blood sugar means for you and your health. The answer is it depends.

People with prediabetes, a family history of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity or already elevated fasting blood sugar are more likely to experience the blood sugar effects of statins, explains Dr. Tobb. 

Still, Dr. Tobb says many of those people are also at high risk for heart disease because of those same conditions and could still benefit from statins.

“It’s important to keep the entire picture in mind,” she says. “A small increase in blood sugar is generally much less dangerous than a heart attack or stroke that might otherwise have been prevented.”

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Should you stop taking statins?

Dr. Tobb says the best course of action when deciding if statins make sense for you is speaking with your healthcare provider to assess your overall risk and determine the best treatment plan. For example, if you develop elevated blood sugar while taking a statin, your provider can help you decide whether improving your lifestyle habits, better managing your blood sugar or making changes to your statin treatment could help. She adds that many people don’t need to stop taking statins altogether, and in some cases, switching to a different statin may be the better option.

“Higher-intensity statin therapy appears to have a slightly greater effect on blood sugar than moderate-intensity therapy,” says Dr. Tobb. “Some studies have also suggested that atorvastatin and rosuvastatin may be associated with a somewhat higher diabetes risk than pravastatin, although the differences are relatively modest.”

And if you and your healthcare provider decide statins aren’t the best fit for you, Dr. Tobb says other cholesterol-lowering medications that don’t appear to worsen blood sugar are available, including:

• Ezetimibe
• PCSK9 inhibitors (like Repatha or Praluent)
• Inclisiran
• Bempedoic acid

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3 tips to manage your blood sugar while on a statin

If statins are still the best option for you to manage your heart and cholesterol health, but you’re still worried about keeping your blood sugar in check, Dr. Tobb provides three tips:

Prioritize nutrition 

Dr. Tobb recommends following a diet rich in legumes, whole grains, veggies, healthy fats, lean proteins and minimally processed foods to not only support your blood sugar but also your cholesterol.

Stay active 

Even just 30 minutes a day or 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise can help improve your insulin sensitivity, says Dr. Tobb. Adding the resistance training activity of your choosing into the mix may provide even more benefits, she continues.

Keep up with your lab work

Staying on top of your blood work and appointments to monitor your weight, blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol can help your healthcare provider spot changes early and adjust your treatment plan if needed, explains Dr. Tobb. 

The bottom line on statins and blood sugar

If you’re hearing about the connection between statins and elevated blood sugar for the first time, it may feel overwhelming. You thought statins would be the ticket to better health, and suddenly you have another concern to think about. But the truth is most medications are not without potential side effects, and statins don’t cause elevated blood sugar in everyone who takes them. By understanding the potential connection and staying informed about ways to support your blood sugar and overall well-being, you’re taking an important step toward protecting your heart and yourself.

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If your favorite meals suddenly seem to leave you with energy crashes or stubborn belly weight, you could be dealing with symptoms of insulin resistance. Blood sugar gets trickier to manage as we get older, especially for those of over 50. But there’s good news hiding in your produce drawer: One humble kitchen staple is getting fresh attention from researchers, and you probably already have it on hand. Keep reading to find out why regular enjoying onions could help reduce your diabetes risk in the long term.

Why blood sugar shifts after menopause

The drop in estrogen that comes with menopause changes how your body uses insulin. When cells don’t respond to insulin as efficiently, blood sugar can climb, setting the stage for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Add in the natural loss of muscle mass and a slower metabolism, and it’s no wonder so many of us feel like the rules have changed overnight.

That’s why doctors often say midlife is the perfect time to double down on foods that support steady blood sugar. And here’s the encouraging part: Small, everyday tweaks to what’s on your plate can make a real difference in improving insulin sensitivity and warding off diabetes.

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Wellness

How To Prevent Diabetes and Lower Your Blood Sugar Naturally After 50

It could be as easy as heading outside.

What the research shows on onions and diabetes risk

New findings published in BMC Medicine suggest that people who eat more onions may have a lower lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Researchers found that participants who carried a genetic variant that made them particularly fond of the scent of onions tended to eat more of them—and that group showed a reduced risk of the disease over time.

The likely reason comes down to what onions naturally contain. They’re rich in plant compounds called flavonoids, including one called quercetin. Researchers believe these compounds may help the body regulate insulin levels more effectively and keep blood sugar steadier.

How to eat more onions and reduce your diabetes risk

Onions are inexpensive, keep well in the pantry and pair with almost anything you’re already cooking. They’re also incredibly versatile, which means you won’t feel like you’re eating the same thing every day. Yellow, red, white, sweet—each variety brings something a little different to the table.

A few simple habits can help you sneak more onions into your diet so you can reap the beneficial effects:

• Sauté a chopped onion as the base for soups, stews, chili and pasta sauces
• Add thin slices to sandwiches, wraps and burgers
• Roast onion wedges alongside chicken or fish for a naturally sweet side
• Toss red onion into salads, tuna salad or egg salad for a flavor boost
• Caramelize a batch on Sunday and use it all week on eggs, toast and grain bowls

Even a couple of tablespoons a day, added consistently, can help you get more of those protective flavonoids into your routine. Think of it less as a diet change and more as a small upgrade to meals you already love.

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The bigger picture on diabetes prevention

Eating well and warding off diabetes doesn’t have to mean giving things up. Sometimes it just means adding a little more of something good—like onions—to what you already enjoy. Pair that with a daily walk, a bit of strength training and regular check-ins with your doctor, and you’re building a foundation that supports steady energy, healthier blood sugar and more confidence in the years ahead.

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If your knees ache just thinking about lacing up running shoes, we’ve got great news: New research suggests that swimming may do even more for your heart health than running—and it’s a whole lot easier on your body. For those of us dealing with joint pain or arthritis, that combination is hard to beat.

What research shows about swimming for heart health

A preliminary animal study published in Nature compared how swimming and running affect cardiovascular fitness. Both forms of physical activity improved overall fitness, but swimming led to greater increases in heart size and pumping capacity. Researchers believe water immersion helps push blood back toward the heart, giving the muscle an extra workout that dry-land exercise simply can’t match.

Translation? Exercising in water appears to make your heart stronger, a surprising health benefit of swimming regularly.

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Why swimming is easier on your joints

Any activity that gets your heart pumping is good for your cardiovascular health. But swimming offers something special—a full-body workout with almost no stress on the knees, hips or spine. That matters more with every passing decade, when stiff joints and injury risk tend to creep up.

Because water supports your body weight, you can push yourself aerobically without paying for it the next day. Swimming also works muscles from your shoulders down to your calves, helping preserve the lean muscle mass that keeps metabolism humming and delivers powerful cardiovascular benefits.

Regular aerobic exercise supports healthy blood pressure, boosts circulation and helps improve cholesterol levels. Swimming checks every one of those boxes—and it’s one of the most sustainable workouts you can build into your life.

How to get the benefits of swimming for heart health

You don’t have to start swimming like an Olympian to see results. Here’s how to make the most of your time in the pool:

• Aim for consistency. Start with two to three sessions a week, 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Build up your swimming routine gradually as your endurance grows.
• Mix your strokes. Freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke each work slightly different muscle groups. Alternating keeps your workout balanced—and keeps boredom at bay.
• Try intervals. Swim one lap at a brisk pace, then one at an easy pace. Interval training is especially good for cardiovascular conditioning.
• Consider water walking or aqua aerobics. If lap swimming feels intimidating, these gentler options still deliver the blood-flow benefits of being in the water.
• Listen to your body. Rest when you need to, and never push through pain. Swimming should feel refreshing, not punishing.

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Making it work for your life

Many local YMCAs, community centers and gyms have indoor pools and offer senior swim times, water aerobics classes and even beginner adult swim lessons. Don’t be shy about asking—these programs exist because so many of us midlife are discovering exactly what this new research now confirms.

The bottom line on swimming for heart health

If you want to protect your heart without punishing your joints, the pool may be the smartest place to start. The new findings add to a growing body of evidence that regular swimming for heart health is one of the most effective—and most enjoyable—forms of exercise you can weave into your routine. So grab a swimsuit, find a lane and let the water do some of the work. Your heart will thank you.

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While tried-and-true high cholesterol treatments like statins are an important way to protect your heart if you have elevated readings, there are also many newer cholesterol medications available, including Lipfendra, a cholesterol-lowering pill from Merck that received FDA approval yesterday. But with more options also come more decisions. So if you’re not quite sure what the latest cholesterol meds are or how they differ, we asked doctors to break it all down, whether you’re newly diagnosed or simply looking for better options.

What is high cholesterol?

“High cholesterol is when you have an excess of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood,” explains Nate Lebowitz, MD, FACC, a board-certified cardiologist with the Advanced Cardiology Institute and affiliated with Hackensack University Medical Center. “While your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, having too much can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. This buildup can narrow your arteries and increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.”

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What is the new high cholesterol treatment Lipfendra?

If you’ve been keeping up with health news, you may have heard that the FDA approved Lipfendra, a PCSK9 inhibitor pill. If you’re familiar with statins, which help lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL), you may be wondering what PCSK9 inhibitors are and how the two compare.

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“PCSK9 inhibitors target a protein made by the liver called PCSK9,” says Kardie Tobb, DO, MS, FASPC, FACC, a board‑certified preventive cardiologist and the medical director for the Cone Health HeartCare Women’s Heart Health and Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic. “Normally, your liver removes LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream using LDL receptors. PCSK9 destroys many of those receptors. When you block PCSK9, more LDL receptors stay on the surface of liver cells, allowing the liver to clear much more LDL cholesterol from the blood. It’s a very targeted way of lowering cholesterol.”

PCSK9 inhibitors aren’t new. In fact, popular options like Repatha were first approved in 2015. So why is everyone talking about Lipfendra? “Until now, every FDA-approved PCSK9 inhibitor has required an injection, either every two weeks, monthly or every six months,” explains Dr. Tobb. “Lipfendra (enlicitide) is the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor, meaning patients can take it as a once-daily pill instead of receiving injections. That’s a significant advance because many patients prefer pills over injections, and improving convenience often improves adherence.”

The latest cholesterol treatments

While Lipfendra is dominating health news, it’s not the only newer cholesterol medication available. Below, Dr. Tobb and Dr. Lebowitz share three of the latest treatment options worth knowing about.

Ezetimibe (Zetia)

Ezetimibe is an oral medication that has been used for years and helps lower cholesterol by reducing how much is absorbed through the intestines, says Dr. Lebowitz. “It’s often used in combination with a statin to further lower LDL cholesterol,” he adds. “It is a good fit for patients who need additional LDL lowering on top of a statin or those who cannot tolerate statins. It is generally well-tolerated.”

Dr. Tobb says ezetimibe can be a good option for people who need a small additional drop in LDL cholesterol or aren’t able to take higher doses of statins, but it may not be enough for people who need to dramatically lower their LDL levels.

Bempedoic acid (Nexletol)

Bempedoic acid was approved in 2020 and is an oral medication that helps block the liver from producing cholesterol through a different pathway than statins, explains Dr. Lebowitz. “It’s a good option for patients who experience muscle pain related side effects from statins or who need additional LDL lowering. Bempedoic acid is an adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor,” he continues. It may be used with other cholesterol-lowering medications to help further lower LDL in adults.”

Dr. Tobb says bempedoic acid can be a good option for people who can’t tolerate statins or need extra help lowering their LDL cholesterol, but it may not be the right choice for people with uric acid levels that are higher than normal or gout.

Inclisiran (Leqvio)

Like Repatha and Praluent, inclisiran is designed to lower LDL cholesterol by targeting the PCSK9 protein, but it works by preventing the liver from making PCSK9 proteins, explains Dr. Lebowitz. This is important because PCSK9 normally interferes with the body’s ability to clear LDL cholesterol. “It is also an injection, but it is given less frequently, typically twice a year after the initial doses,” says Dr. Lebowitz. 

Dr. Tobb says inclisiran can be a good option for people who don’t want to remember to take a daily cholesterol medication since it’s only given twice a year after the initial doses, but it may not be the best fit for people who would rather take a pill or who have trouble getting to injection appointments.

How high cholesterol treatments can work together

Of course, following a heart-healthy diet and getting regular physical activity are important lifestyle changes that help boost your HDL “good” cholesterol and lower your LDL and total cholesterol. If your numbers are still elevated, your healthcare professional will most likely recommend statins to start.

“For most people, statins remain first-line therapy because they have the strongest evidence for reducing heart attacks and strokes,” says Dr. Tobb. “If LDL remains above goal, we often add ezetimibe. If that’s still not enough, PCSK9-targeted therapies including injectable medications or now Lipfendra may be appropriate.”

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that needing cholesterol medication means you’ve failed,” adds Dr. Tobb. “That’s simply not true.  Many people inherit high cholesterol. Others have such a high cardiovascular risk that even an excellent diet and regular exercise aren’t enough to lower LDL to safe levels. Lifestyle remains the foundation, but medication often provides protection that lifestyle alone cannot achieve.”

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Why managing high cholesterol is so important

“High cholesterol is dangerous because it usually causes no symptoms,” says Dr. Tobb. “Plaque builds silently inside arteries over decades. The first sign may unfortunately be a heart attack, a stroke or sudden cardiac death. The encouraging news is that lowering LDL cholesterol slows plaque progression, stabilizes existing plaque and substantially reduces future cardiovascular events.  The earlier we intervene, the more heart attacks and strokes we can prevent.”

The bottom line on high cholesterol treatments 

Whether lifestyle changes alone are enough, statins end up working well for you or your doctor recommends one of the newer cholesterol medications, finding the right treatment plan can take time. The important thing is not ignoring high cholesterol. Talk to your doctor to find an approach that fits your health needs.

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If your doctor has suggested statin therapy to lower your cholesterol levels, you may feel torn. These little pills are among the most prescribed medications in America, yet you’ve probably heard whispers about side effects like muscle pain, weight gain and even memory loss. So what’s the real story? Here’s what leading cardiologists want women to understand about the controversy over taking statins for cholesterol—and why, for most of us, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

What are statins?

Statins are prescription medications that block an enzyme in the liver responsible for producing cholesterol. That lowers your “bad” LDL cholesterol, the sticky kind that builds up in artery walls and sets the stage for cardiovascular events such as a heart attack and stroke.

“They have truly changed the trajectory of heart-disease care and prevention,” says preventive cardiologist Elizabeth Klodas, MD. Their impact is so significant, she notes, that piling on extra interventions often adds little benefit.

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For women over 50, statins can be especially valuable. As estrogen drops, LDL receptor activity slows, meaning your body clears cholesterol less efficiently. Your numbers can creep up even if your diet and lifestyle haven’t changed one bit.

Wellness

Are Statins Bad for You? Cardiologists Say One Myth Keeps Women at Risk

If your doctor has suggested a statin to lower your cholesterol levels, you may feel a flutter of worry over misguided fears: Are statins bad for you? According to US Pharmacist, 34 percent of patients offered statins turn them down, often out of fear. But here’s the reassuring truth from top cardiologists: Statins are not […]

The controversy over taking statins for cholesterol

According to U.S. Pharmacist, 34 percent of patients offered statins turned them down, mostly out of fear of side effects. Concerns about memory loss, depression, sleep issues, nerve damage and more have kept countless women from protecting their hearts.

But a landmark study in The Lancet, which analyzed data from more than 150,000 people, delivered reassuring news. “This large analysis of randomized clinical trials found that symptoms such as memory problems, depression, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, nerve damage, lung disease and kidney disease occurred at similar rates in people taking placebo pills,” says Shannon Chatham, DO, a board-certified family medicine physician. “In other words, these symptoms were unlikely to be caused by statins.”

Even muscle pain—the side effect women worry about most—may not always be the medication’s fault. Research from the University of Oxford found that previous muscle problems, not statin use itself, were the strongest predictor of serious muscle disorders. In fact, 99.6 percent of study participants had a predicted 10-year risk below 10 percent of developing a serious muscle disorder from statins.

And that worry about statins and dementia? A 2018 meta-analysis found that just one year of statin use was associated with a 20 percent decrease in dementia risk. Statins may actually help protect the brain by reducing plaque in the arteries that feed it.

Statin side effects are usually mild and temporary

Statins aren’t completely side-effect free, but Dr. Klodas notes that 90 to 95 percent of people experience no ill effects at all. “It feels like taking a vitamin,” she says. “You take it once a day, morning or evening, and it doesn’t affect you at all—except that your blood tests improve.”

For the five to 10 percent who do notice issues, the most common statin side effects are:

• Muscle aches that typically appear within the first six months and often resolve when switching to a different statin
• Mild liver enzyme changes that usually return to normal on their own
• A small increase in blood sugar that slightly raises long-term diabetes risk
• Occasional cognitive changes, like feeling less sharp, which are typically reversible when they occur

Worried about weight gain? Clinical trials show statin-related weight gain is minimal—about half a pound over four years, according to Tracy Paeschke, MD, a preventive cardiologist. Any weight creep usually comes from a false sense of security that leads to less careful eating, not the drug itself.

The good news: Nearly all these effects are dose-dependent and reversible. If one statin drug bothers you, another often won’t.

Wellness

Taking Statins? Doctors Say These Tiny Tricks Can Make a Big Difference

If you’re over 50 and taking statin drugs—or your doctor just handed you a new prescription—you’re in very good company. More than 40 million Americans rely on these cholesterol-lowering medications, making them the most prescribed drugs in the country. But here’s what many women don’t realize: Small choices about when you take your statin, which […]

Busting the statin controversy myth

Statins fall into two main categories—water-soluble ones like rosuvastatin (Crestor) and fat-soluble ones like atorvastatin (Lipitor). If one causes trouble, switching to the other often solves the problem, explains Judith Goldfinger, MD, a clinical cardiologist at Mount Sinai West.

If you’re experiencing unwanted side effects, don’t stop taking a prescribed statin on your own without talking to your doctor first. A new study in JAMA Network Open found that adults 75 and older who stopped their statins had a 28 to 32 percent higher risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death. “High cholesterol and plaque buildup are often silent conditions,” says Nandini Nair, MD, cardiologist at Penn State Health. 

The bottom line: If you have concerns, bring them to your doctor. Chances are, there’s a statin—and a dose—that will keep your heart healthy without making you miserable.

You’ve been managing your cholesterol the best you can, but during your last check-up, you received the same message: Your “bad” LDL cholesterol was still too high. So your doctor recommended Repatha, an injectable medication to help lower your levels. But what exactly is Repatha, and what are the side effects you need to watch for? Plus how does it compare to statins? We asked two top cardiologists. 

What is Repatha? 

“Repatha is a prescription medicine that lowers LDL cholesterol, the ‘bad’ cholesterol that builds up in your arteries and raises your risk of heart attack and stroke,” explains Kardie Tobb, DO, MS, FASPC, FACC, a board‑certified preventive cardiologist and the medical director for the Cone Health HeartCare Women’s Heart Health and Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic. “Instead of a pill, it’s given as a shot under the skin, usually once every two weeks or once a month. Many people learn to give it to themselves at home, similar to how someone with diabetes might give themselves insulin.”

Dr. Tobb explains that Repatha is a type of drug called a PCSK9 inhibitor. Outside of Repatha (evolocumab), she says the other two main options are Praluent (alirocumab) and Leqvio (inclisiran).

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If you’ve only heard of Repatha, you may be wondering why it’s so popular for reducing cholesterol.  “It has the longest track record of any of these drugs,” explains Dr. Tobb. “A major study called FOURIER, now with over eight years of follow-up, showed it lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke, and that its safety record has stayed steady over time.”

She adds that although Repatha and Praluent both lower LDL cholesterol by 50 to 65 percent, Repatha was one of the first PCSK9 inhibitors approved in 2015, giving healthcare providers more experience with this treatment option and making it more familiar to insurance companies.

Wellness

Are Cardiologists Against Statins? What Heart Doctors Really Think

Roughly 40 million people with high cholesterol in the U.S. take statins to help bring their numbers back into a healthy range. Whether you’re a long-time user or have just been prescribed the meds, you may have heard chatter online about side effects like muscle aches or brain fog that has people wondering, “Are cardiologists […]

How does Repatha lower cholesterol?

If you’ve been trying several lifestyle changes to lower your LDL cholesterol with no results, you may be wondering how Repatha could help. Dr. Tobb offers a helpful analogy.

“Your liver has ‘receptors,’” explains Dr. Tobb. “Think of them like tiny docking stations that grab LDL cholesterol out of your bloodstream and clear it away. A protein called PCSK9 normally destroys these docking stations, which limits how much cholesterol your liver can remove. Repatha works by attaching to PCSK9 and blocking it. With PCSK9 out of the way, your liver keeps more of these docking stations available, so it can pull more LDL cholesterol out of your blood. That’s why Repatha can lower LDL cholesterol so dramatically.”

Repatha side effects to watch for

Compared to statins, “There are typically fewer side effects, and in particular, we see far less body-wide muscle pain and weakness (though some researchers believe the pain associated with statins may be overreported) [with Repatha],” says Rajesh Banker, MD, a double board-certified cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist in practice in southern California since 2010. 

However, Repatha is not without side effects. Dr. Banker says the most common Repatha side effects include:

• Injection site reactions such as pain, redness, swelling or bruising
• Back pain
• Mild joint stiffness
• A sore throat
• Nasal congestion or a runny nose

How does that compare to statins? Dr. Tobb explains that statins are more commonly associated with:

• Muscle aches
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Higher blood sugar

Repatha vs. statins: Which better lowers cholesterol? 

“Statins are the pills most people think of first for high cholesterol, and how much they lower LDL depends on the dose,” explains Dr. Tobb. “A typical dose lowers LDL by about 30 to 40 percent; the highest doses can lower it by around 45 to 55 percent.”

“Repatha, on its own, typically lowers LDL by 55 to 70 percent,” she adds. “If you add it on top of a statin you’re already taking, it can lower your LDL by another 55 to 65 percent from wherever the statin left it. So, gram for gram, Repatha is the stronger of the two at lowering cholesterol numbers.”

Before you send your doctor a telehealth message asking about Repatha, Dr. Tobb shares that even though Repatha is “stronger,” that doesn’t necessarily make it better than statins for everyone.

“Statins are still recommended first for most people because they’ve been used safely for decades, they come as a pill instead of a shot and they’re far less expensive,” says Dr. Tobb. “Repatha usually comes into the picture when a statin alone, even at the highest dose someone can tolerate, isn’t bringing cholesterol down enough, especially in people who already have heart disease.”

Wellness

What’s the Best Statin for Women? A Doctor Says Ask These 2 Questions First

Statins are the go-to medications for lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving long-term heart health. But is there such a thing as the best statin for women? We asked a top cardiologist for the nuanced answer—and key factors to consider when deciding which statin is right for you. Why […]

Should you consider Repatha?

Dr. Tobb says Repatha is a good option for those who:

• Have familial hypercholesterolemia (a genetic condition that causes very high cholesterol)
• Have already had a cardiac event such as a stroke, heart attack or stent placement and still have cholesterol that’s too high
• Have tried more than one type of statin and still can’t tolerate them
• Feel comfortable giving themselves an injection or have someone who can help

She adds that Repatha may not be a good fit for those who:

• Have low heart disease risk and mildly high cholesterol that can be managed with lifestyle changes or a statin alone
• Haven’t given statins a fair try yet, such as trying another dose, a different statin or taking one every other day
• Aren’t able to give themselves an injection or don’t have help

Dr. Banker and Dr. Tobb both say that clinicians often prescribe Repatha alongside a statin for the right patients. “I rarely use Repatha in place of a statin. I usually add it on top of one, after a statin at the highest dose someone can handle (sometimes with another pill called ezetimibe) still isn’t getting cholesterol low enough, especially for someone who already has heart disease or is at very high risk,” explains Dr. Tobb. 

The bottom line on lowering your cholesterol 

Living with high cholesterol can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re already concerned about reducing your risk of heart trouble. But whether you and a healthcare professional decide on statins, Repatha or a combination of both, the good news is you have options to protect your heart.

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If your doctor has prescribed a statin to help lower your cholesterol, you’re in good company — and you may have heard whispers about a supplement called CoQ10 that could make your medication work even better for you, especially if you’re dealing with side effects like muscle pain. Here’s what the experts say about CoQ10 and statins, why the pairing matters and how this “youth molecule” can support your heart, your energy and even your skin.

What statins do—and why they may leave you achy

Statins are prescription medications that lower cholesterol, helping reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They’re remarkably effective, but they can occasionally cause side effects, most notably soreness in large muscle groups like the shoulders, hips or knees, according to preventive cardiologist Elizabeth Klodas, MD.

The reason may come down to a nutrient called coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10. “CoQ10 is an antioxidant that plays an important role in energy production in the cells,” Dr. Klodas explains. It lives in the mitochondria—the tiny powerhouses inside our cells—where it helps neutralize the free radicals that energy production creates.

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Here’s the catch: Statins have been shown to deplete the body’s levels of CoQ10. “When cells produce excess free radicals that aren’t being neutralized because there isn’t enough CoQ10, this may lead to nanoscopic tissue damage, causing muscle pain,” Dr. Klodas says. The good news? The muscle pain side effect of statins is typically temporary—and there’s something simple you can do about it.

Wellness

Are Statins Bad for You? Cardiologists Say One Myth Keeps Women at Risk

If your doctor has suggested a statin to lower your cholesterol levels, you may feel a flutter of worry over misguided fears: Are statins bad for you? According to US Pharmacist, 34 percent of patients offered statins turn them down, often out of fear. But here’s the reassuring truth from top cardiologists: Statins are not […]

How CoQ10 eases statin-related muscle pain

Because the cholesterol-lowering meds can drain CoQ10, many cardiologists suggest statin users replenish their stores with a supplement. “Statins are known to deplete CoQ10 levels, so I do recommend it for people who are on a statin,” says preventive cardiologist Suzanne Steinbaum, DO, founder of Adesso. “It can prevent the side effect of muscle aches that certain people experience. Some evidence shows that at high doses, it can help with energy production and support heart function.”

Dr. Klodas is a bit more measured. “There are a couple of small studies that suggest people who take the supplement do have fewer muscle aches than people who don’t take it,” she says, adding that when you look at the totality of the data, “There’s probably a strong placebo effect, which is fine. There’s nothing wrong with the placebo effect, because if it helps alleviate symptoms that are counterproductive to your care, that’s awesome!”

How much CoQ10 should I take with statins?

There’s no official recommended dose, but experts land in a similar range. Dr. Klodas suggests 100 to 200 mg of CoQ10 daily to potentially help prevent muscle soreness. Dr. Steinbaum recommends 90 to 200 mg a day.

A few tips to get the most from your supplement:

• Choose ubiquinol. There are two forms of CoQ10: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Dr. Klodas notes ubiquinol is well absorbed by the body, while studies suggest ubiquinone doesn’t reliably raise CoQ10 levels in the bloodstream. Her rhyming reminder: “Leave ubiquinone alone.”
• Take it with food. CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so pairing it with a meal that includes healthy fats improves absorption, says Devon Golem, PhD, RD, LDN, founder of NuancedNutritionist.com.
• Look for third-party testing. Choose labels verified by NSF International, USP or ConsumerLab.
• Be patient. “Benefits accumulate over weeks to months, not days,” Golem says.

More CoQ10 benefits for women

Beyond easing statin side effects, CoQ10 supports the body in several impressive ways—especially for women over 50, whose natural levels of this nutrient decline with age.

• More energy. A 2022 Frontiers in Nutrition analysis of more than a dozen studies concluded that “CoQ10 is an effective and safe supplement for reducing fatigue symptoms.”
• A stronger heart. “CoQ10 is extraordinary for protecting the heart,” says integrative physician Jacob Teitelbaum, MD. “It prevents cholesterol from damaging the blood vessels. And CoQ10 dramatically improves heart muscle functioning.” The landmark Q-SYMBIO trial found CoQ10 supplementation reduced the risk of future cardiac events, hospitalizations and cardiovascular mortality in congestive heart failure patients.
• Glowing skin. CoQ10 “can penetrate skin cells and act as an antioxidant shield,” Golem says. Research suggests it may help reduce fine lines and improve smoothness.
• Brain and metabolism perks. Emerging research points to potential benefits for cognitive health, and a 2024 study in Obesities found that women with metabolic syndrome given CoQ10 experienced significant belly fat reductions.

Wellness

Can You Stop Taking Statins? How It Affects Your Heart Attack and Stroke Risk

You’ve been prescribed statins to lower your cholesterol levels, but soon find yourself struggling to stick with the daily pill. Maybe it’s because you experienced side effects like muscle pain, or maybe the meds worked so well your numbers are back in the healthy range. Whatever the reason, BMJ research says almost half of older […]

The bottom line on CoQ10 and statins

Always talk to your doctor before adding CoQ10 to your routine, especially if you’re taking statins or other heart medications, as it can interact with blood thinners and certain other drugs. And remember: A supplement supports a heart-healthy lifestyle, it doesn’t replace one.

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Your doctor has suggested you give statins a try to help lower your cholesterol levels, but you’re worried about the side effects like muscle pain. And you wouldn’t be alone. Roughly 34 percent of people decided against taking a statin after it was recommended by a medical professional because they feared side effects, per a study cited in US Pharmacist. But what if we told you that the muscle pain you may experience with statin drugs may not be due to the meds at all? A new study is suggesting exactly that, and we went straight to the experts to find out what it means for you. 

What are statins?

describes statins as These common medications lower the amount of cholesterol the liver produces while also lowering levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol in the body, explains Louis Lerebours, MD, family medicine physician at Freeman Recovery Center,

“The main benefit of using statins is their ability to prevent ruptures from forming within the plaques on artery walls, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke; not just simply to decrease an individual’s laboratory results,” says Dr. Lerebours. “As such, they are still among our best weapons against developing cardiovascular disease and for individuals with higher than average risks.”

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Wellness

Can You Eat Grapefruit on Statins? What Doctors Now Say May Surprise You

People who take statin drugs are doing it for a life-saving reason: to treat high cholesterol and protect their hearts. Many of those same people also reach for grapefruit, a food long associated with heart health. But when it comes to grapefruit and statins, the two do not always play well with one another. “Grapefruit […]

The link between muscle pain and statin drugs 

Statins can come with other potential side effects including fatigue, digestive issues or changes in liver enzymes, but muscle pain is the issue people worry about most, says Kardie Tobb, DO, MS, FASPC, FACC, a board‑certified preventive cardiologist and the medical director for the Cone Health HeartCare Women’s Heart Health and Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic.

“Scientists still don’t know the exact reason why statins cause muscle symptoms in some people,” explains Dr. Tobb. “Several theories exist, including that statins may affect how muscle cells produce energy or alter certain biochemical pathways within muscle tissue. However, it’s also important to recognize that muscle aches are extremely common in adults, especially as we age.”

She adds that low vitamin D, poor sleep, arthritis, viral illnesses, thyroid disorders and many other conditions can all cause symptoms similar to statin side effects.

“Statins can occasionally cause muscle disorders, but it’s helpful to understand that these exist on a spectrum,” adds Dr. Tobb. “The most common is myalgia, which simply means muscle pain without evidence of muscle injury on blood tests. Less commonly, people develop myopathy, meaning muscle weakness or muscle symptoms accompanied by evidence of muscle injury.”

New research on statin drugs and muscle pain 

In a new study in The Lancet Digital Health, University of Oxford researchers developed a risk calculator for statin-related muscle disorders called the STRATIFY-StatinMD Risk Calculator. They used health records from more than 5.6 million men over 50 and women over 60 who were eligible for statins. The calculator looked at factors like BMI, smoking status and previous muscle problems to estimate a person’s risk. They found that 99.6 percent of people in the study had a predicted 10-year risk below 10 percent of developing a serious muscle disorder. In fact, the strongest predictor of a serious muscle disorder was not statin use itself, but a previous muscle problem, which carried a 6.2 times higher risk.

“It’s reassuring that the study suggests previous muscle problems, not statin use alone, were among the strongest predictors of future serious muscle disorders,” says Dr. Tobb. “That helps put statin safety into better perspective. The model still needs validation in additional populations outside the original study before widespread implementation, but it represents a promising advance.”

What to do if you have muscle pain with statin drugs 

While new research—and our experts—confirm that statins may not be the root cause of your muscle pain, the drugs can cause a temporary increase in muscle discomfort for some adults while adjusting to the medication. If that happens, here’s what you can do: 

Talk to your doctor 

“Tell them exactly when the pain started, where it’s located and whether it began after starting the statin or increasing the dose,” recommends Dr. Tobb. “Ask: ‘Could this be statin-related, and should we do a brief trial off the medication or switch to another statin?’ This timeline is often one of the most useful clues.”

Ask if you should be tested for other causes

You may feel tempted to attribute your muscle symptoms to statins, but there could be many other causes. “Depending on your situation, your clinician may check a blood test called creatine kinase (CK), which measures muscle injury, along with tests for thyroid function, vitamin D levels or medication interactions,” says Dr. Tobb. “These tests can help determine whether the symptoms are truly related to the statin or another underlying problem.”

Wellness

On Statins or Beta-Blockers? Watch for These Heart Medication Side Effects

If you’re one of the millions of women taking medication to protect your heart, you already know how much these prescriptions can do for your health. But here’s the thing: Even the best heart medications can come with side effects that are easy to brush off or blame on something else, like aging, stress or […]

Consider trying a different statin 

Rather than giving up statin therapy altogether, consider giving another type or even a different statin dose a try. “People who develop muscle symptoms with one statin frequently tolerate another statin, a lower dose or an alternate-day dosing schedule,” explains Dr. Tobb.

Seek medical attention for severe pain

Mild muscle aches can usually be evaluated in an outpatient setting, says Dr. Tobb. “However, if you develop severe muscle pain, profound weakness, fever or dark, cola-colored urine, seek medical attention immediately, as these symptoms could signal the rare complication of rhabdomyolysis,” she adds. 

The bottom line on muscle pain with statin drugs 

An important part of finding the right medication to lower high cholesterol is doing your research, and that also means understanding the potential side effects. But this new research offers reassuring news. So before writing off the meds, talk to your doctor about your concerns and know that if you do experience discomfort, you have several tools at your disposal to help you feel your best again.

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High cholesterol drives the leading cause of death in the world, and the foods on your plate may matter more than you think. The American Heart Association has pushed back on parts of the new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, warning that recommendations around red meat and salt seasoning could lead consumers to exceed safe limits for saturated fat and sodium.

Cardiologists say cutting six common foods can move your numbers in the right direction. Here is what doctors and dietitians want you to know.

Why high cholesterol matters right now

When cholesterol builds up along artery walls, it forms plaque that can trigger heart attacks and strokes. Romit Bhattacharya, MD, a Mass General Brigham cardiologist, urges patients to keep saturated fat below 10% of daily calories. “High-fat dairy is for growing calves,” he said. “It’s for growing infants who need cholesterol and fat in their diet to build their brains, their nerves, their bodies.”

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The American Heart Association said it encourages low-fat and fat-free dairy and urges consumers to prioritize plant-based proteins, seafood and lean meats while limiting red meat, butter, lard and tallow, which the group links to increased cardiovascular risk.

The 6 worst foods for high cholesterol

Red meat. Steak, ribs, ground beef and pork chops tend to be high in saturated fat. “Eating red and processed meats regularly may raise LDL and apoB cholesterol, the types that form plaque, impacting overall heart health,” dietitian Michelle Routhenstein told EatingWell. Leaner cuts like sirloin, tenderloin and 90% lean ground beef are better options.

Processed meats. Bacon, salami and sausage stack saturated fat on top of sodium and nitrite preservatives. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine notes that the saturated fat in processed meat raises LDL cholesterol, while the salt used as a preservative increases the risk of high blood pressure.

Fried foods. Reused frying oil can lose unsaturated fat and develop trans fats. “Foods that have taken a dip in the deep fryer, like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings are among the worst when it comes to cholesterol,” Harvard Health warns. The fix? An air fryer with a little olive oil, or baking at high heat until food turns golden brown.

Baked goods. Pastries, pies, biscuits and cakes pack saturated fat from butter or palm oil. The British Heart Foundation says choosing pies with only a top crust can cut saturated fat by 40%. Dietitian Julia Zumpano told Cleveland Clinic that most store-bought desserts are loaded with processed sugars, saturated fat and sometimes trans fats like vegetable shortening.

Fast food. Bacon cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches and breakfast sandwiches pile sodium and simple carbs onto saturated fat. “If people are regularly eating fast food or food from places like gas stations or having a lot of soda or pop in their diet, that’s where I usually start,” Jeremy Van’t Hof, MD, a preventive cardiologist with M Health Fairview, said. He recommends keeping daily sodium under 2,000 mg.

Refined carbs. White bread, sugary cereals, crackers and pizza can prompt the liver to make extra LDL cholesterol while lowering HDL. “Simple sugars like white bread can actually prompt our livers to produce more LDL cholesterol and may also lower the amounts of HDL cholesterol in our blood,” dietitian Gabrielle Gambino told The Healthy. NKH Health advises eating these foods in small to moderate portions.

How to lower high cholesterol through diet

Bhattacharya keeps the advice simple. “Plants basically don’t make cholesterol,” he said. “So, if you’re worried about cholesterol, eating plants is going to help. And among plants, high fiber content is important. It cleans out your gut, it allows you to detoxify, it feeds your gut microbiome in a healthy way, and it can help prevent cholesterol from absorbing into your bloodstream.”

The stakes are real. “Heart attack and stroke are the most common problems caused by a very high cholesterol level,” Bhattacharya said. “When we think about the ways that we can prevent cardiovascular disease, which is the number-one cause of death in the world, controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure are key.”