# Statins are drugs that lower the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. Some doctors recommend that patients with a family history of cardiovascular disease should take statins even if their current cholesterol levels are not dangerously high. Other doctors argue that statins should only be prescribed once a patient has already developed high cholesterol. Evaluate the use of statins as a way of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

> Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) — 1.1 Cardiovascular disease and risk · Evaluate · 5 marks

> Statins are widely prescribed drugs that reduce blood cholesterol levels. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is linked to the build-up of fatty deposits in artery walls, and high blood cholesterol is one of the risk factors associated with this process.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Statins lower blood cholesterol levels, reducing the build-up of fatty deposits (atheroma) in artery walls
2. This reduces the risk of the lumen narrowing / arteries becoming blocked, lowering the chance of a heart attack or stroke
3. Benefit of taking statins preventatively: reduces risk before atheroma has accumulated significantly, which is beneficial for those with genetic risk factors
4. Limitation: statins can have side effects (e.g. muscle pain / liver problems), so prescribing them to people who may not need them exposes patients to unnecessary risk
5. Balanced conclusion: lifestyle changes (e.g. reducing saturated fat in diet, increasing exercise) should also be considered alongside or instead of statins, as these address multiple risk factors without the same side-effect profile

## Key terms

- [statins](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/statins)
- [cholesterol](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cholesterol)
- [cardiovascular disease](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cardiovascular-disease)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Evaluate" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/statins-are-drugs-that-lower-the-affea20d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.