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Statin is a drug which inhibits an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, has long been known to regulate cholesterol production. It is used by people suffering heart attacks, stroke, among others.

In a recent study of 48,243 eligible patients for noncardiac surgery in a Veterans Affair Base where majority of the men took the drug before and after surgical operations, it was found that the drug made a significant difference to them. The drug heightened survival rate to 82 percent within the 30-day period after the operation and 18 percent account to lower postoperative complications, The New York Times reported.

Whilst the study was done to noncardiac operation patients, a review article by The Annals of Thoracic Surgery confirmed that heart operations were also successful when patients use the same procedure of taking Statins, that is before and after surgery.

In fact, Dr. Elgendy from University of Florida in Gainesville gave a heads up to using statin. He said that atrial fibrillation, the irregular heartbeat that can lead to other disease, was less likely to develop in patients undergoing that certain operation.

Statins are of the numerous types with atorvastatin under the name of Lipitor being the most potent. This drug is usually prescribed to people who have heart disease, diabetes and increasing age, MNT reported.

Since these drugs are used to control cholesterol production, they are mostly prescribed to people suffering from high cholesterol level which may, in the future, lead to atherosclerosis if not prevented.

Nonetheless, statins should be taken along with proper diet and exercise to prolong life. The intervention alone, such as people suffering from dyslipidemia, is not as effective as the two combined.

Overall, people are beneficiaries of statins, but not relying on the drug would help more as there have been studies where some statin drugs impair memory while liver failure and skeletal muscle damage are tied to some.