In this lecture of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Benjamin Bikman explores an important question: Are statins really helping women’s hearts, or could they be making things worse? Watch the full lecture, then read the short summary below.
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Statins and Women’s Health
Statins are some of the most widely prescribed medications in the world, designed to lower LDL cholesterol. Millions of women take them daily in hopes of reducing heart disease risk. But as Dr. Benjamin Bikman explains in Lecture 117 of The Metabolic Classroom, the science tells a more complicated story.
Cholesterol vs. Metabolic Health
For women, cholesterol numbers like LDL or ApoB are not the strongest predictors of heart disease. Instead, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes are far more powerful drivers of cardiovascular risk.
The Statin Paradox
While statins do lower cholesterol, research shows they can actually make insulin resistance worse — raising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This creates a troubling tradeoff: improving a weak marker (LDL) while worsening a strong predictor (metabolic dysfunction).
What Really Protects Women’s Hearts
Instead of focusing only on cholesterol, women should prioritize metabolic health. Lifestyle changes such as resistance training, reducing processed carbs, and managing stress can lower insulin resistance, improve blood sugar control, and support long-term heart health — without the side effects of statins.
Conclusion
Statins may have a place in medicine, but for women, improving metabolic health often provides more meaningful protection against heart disease. Watch the full lecture above to hear Dr. Bikman’s complete breakdown.
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