local
Statins alone won’t lower cholesterol without lifestyle changes, cardiologist says
By Viv Williams at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 1, 2026
· 3 min read
(Aging Untold) — Statins are the most effective lipid-lowering medications for most people with high cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association, but a cardiologist says the drugs are not a substitute for healthy habits. “If someone comes to me and says, ‘Doc, give me this statin so ...
Key takeaway Stephen Kopecky, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, said.
Why this matters in The Midland
In Midland , where heart disease is a significant concern, Dr. Kopecky's words serve as a crucial reminder for residents to prioritize lifestyle changes alongside medical treatment. The Permian Basin's oil and gas industry can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, making regular exercise and a healthy diet even more vital for maintaining low cholesterol levels. Local healthcare providers should take note of Kopecky's preference for lifestyle changes over prescribing statins for patients without existing disease, and consider emphasizing preventative measures in their treatment plans. Additionally, Midland's community programs and resources can play a key role in supporting residents in making healthy choices, such as providing access to fitness classes, healthy eating workshops, and stress management programs. By combining these efforts, Midland can work towards reducing the risk of cardiac events and promoting overall heart health.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Aging Untold) — Statins are the most effective lipid-lowering medications for most people with high cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association, but a cardiologist says the drugs are not a substitute for healthy habits. “If someone comes to me and says, ‘Doc, give me this statin so ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Viv Williams at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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