Patients with angina may benefit from treatment with statin drugs. They are designed to lower cholesterol. However, statin medications also reduce the risk of death and the risk of heart attack in those who have coronary artery disease.

The statins are very effective at reducing cholesterol. Statins interrupt the production of cholesterol in the liver. Side effects include muscle aches and pains, joint pain, and nausea. Statins should not be used during pregnancy or in those who have liver disease. Rarely, statins cause damage to the liver.

Statins:

• Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• Fluvastatin (Lescol)
• Lovastatin (Mevacor)
• Lovastatin extended release (Altocor)
• Pitavastatin (Livalo)
• Pravastatin (Pravachol)
• Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
• Simvastatin (Zocor)