Statin Therapy in Indian Women with Dyslipidemia: Myths, Evidence, Adherence, and the Role of Nutrition, Nutraceuticals, Yoga, Stress Management, and Mental Health in Lipid Control

Dyslipidemia has become one of the most common metabolic abnormalities among Indian women and a major contributor to the growing burden of cardiovascular disease. Although statins are well established as effective lipid-lowering drugs, their use in Indian women remains inconsistent and delayed. Meta-analyses show a 22–30% reduction in major cardiovascular events among women adherent to statin therapy. Myths about infertility, hepatic damage, muscle weakness, and bone loss, together with sociocultural and economic barriers, have limited their acceptance. This narrative review summarizes evidence from 2010 to 2025 drawn from randomized trials, meta-analyses, registry data, and Indian observational studies. It highlights gender-specific differences in lipid patterns, efficacy, tolerability, and adherence and integrates pharmacological and lifestyle approaches relevant to Indian practice. Combining statin therapy with improved diet, selected nutraceuticals, yoga, and psychosocial counselling can enhance adherence and outcomes. Strengthening gender-aware prescribing and culturally compatible education can help close the treatment gap between Indian and global populations.