Statins remain the "gold standard" for lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. They work by blocking an enzyme in your liver that produces cholesterol.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), and Simvastatin (Zocor).

Managing high cholesterol is a major step toward protecting your heart. Whether you are already on a prescription or just starting the conversation with your doctor,

A Critical Appraisal of Lipid Management in the Post-Statin Era - PMC

If statins alone aren't enough, or if you can't tolerate them, several other options exist:

Highly effective, low-cost (often generic), and supported by decades of evidence in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Some patients experience muscle aches (SAMS), though this affects only about 7–10% of users. Beyond Statins: When You Need More