Statins have long been a controversial medication in the health world. While some studies say they’re effective at reducing cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease, others highlight the harms and adverse effects that can come with taking the drugs. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which delivers recommendations on statin use, recently drafted guidance to update recommendations that were approved in 2016. Some medical experts say the recommendations aren’t rigorous enough, while others say the drugs benefit fewer people than some may think. All of the back and forth highlights newer treatments and the possible efficacy of lifestyle interventions. The Latest USPSTF Standards Currently, the USPSTF recommends that people should take a statin if they’re high risk—that’s between the ages of 40 to 75, with at least one cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, and a 10 percent or greater 10-year risk for CVD. CVD risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, …