Statins have long been prescribed for people diagnosed with high levels of bad cholesterol in order to lower their risk for heart disease. The drugs work by blocking the enzyme HMG-CoA-reductase, which the body needs to make cholesterol.

However, new research shows that statins could prevent heart disease in people having normal or lower cholesterol levels as well. Jupiter, as the study was called, found that people with normal level of cholesterol but high levels of the protein called CRP who took Crestor were 50 percent less likely to suffer a stroke, need angioplasty or bypass surgery. Also, they were 20 percent less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke.

Paul Ridker, MD, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Brigham and Women's Hospital and lead author of the study, said that having normal cholesterol levels does not necessarily mean that you don’t need statins.

The measure, if put into practice, could save million of lives, considering the fact that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Of course, the measure would also increase sales of statins, which are already top-selling drugs in the US, but they could decrease the number of people rushed to the emergency room with heart attacks or strokes. Moreover, besides reducing the risk for heart disease, statins are also known for slowing down age-related memory loss and dementia. Therefore, don’t hesitate to have your test for CRP protein levels and see if you’re eligible for statins. It might help you later.