For more than four decades, statins have been the mainstay treatment for lowering high LDL cholesterol levels when diet and exercise aren’t enough. LDL is a key contributor to cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, so reducing high LDL levels can literally be lifesaving. To continue reading this article, you must log in . Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every