This is a myopic discussion that does not consider the other known side effects of statins: 

 (1) Muscle impairment;

 (2) Cataracts;

 (3) Impairment of memory; 

  (4) Other unknown side effects, because the Jupiter study was cut short.

The foregoing adverse effects of statins, coupled with the number needed to treat to avoid an adverse event (prescribing statins to 100 persons to avoid one coronary or stroke event), leave the efficacy of statins very much in doubt.  It is much more sensible to take asprin to avoid major cardiac events and stroke, and to concentrate on diet and exercise to deal with lowering cholesterol.

Dr Paul Ridker claim to fame is the resurrecting the “Free radical theory” of atherosclerotic vascular disease.

This was described in 1956 by Denham Harman (born February 14, 1916), MD, PhD, FACP, FAAA biogerontologist is Professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Harman is widely known as the "father of the free radical theory of aging".