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Effects of statins on heart attack or stroke risk

For people at low risk of a heart attack or stroke, about 3 out of 100 will have a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years if they don't take statins. About 2 out of 100 will have a heart attack or stroke if they do take statins. For people at moderate risk of a heart attack or stroke, about 10 out of 100 will have a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years if they don't take statins. About 8 out of 100 will have a heart attack or stroke if they do take statins. For people at high risk of a heart attack or stroke, about 20 out of 100 will have a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years if they don't take statins. About 15 out of 100 will have a heart attack or stroke if they do take statins.

Evidence shows that statins may lower a person's chance of having a heart attack or stroke, especially for people who are at high risk for one.

The tables above show the number of people who will have a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years, arranged by risk level.

The information shown here is based on the best available evidence.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.