Statins are 'safe, effective and should be used more widely'

Conclusion This study reviews evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies to better evaluate the effects and safety of statin therapy. It provides valuable data on the size of the benefits compared with the risks, informing a topic that has had much media coverage in recent times. The researchers highlight that the benefits of statin therapy for people at risk of cardiovascular disease events far outweigh any possible side effects. But it is still for a doctor and their patient to come to a conclusion about what the best treatment for them may be. If you have been prescribed a statin, it is important that you keep taking this medication as prescribed. If you have any concerns or experience any side effects you think could be caused by a statin, you should speak with your doctor. They will be able to assess whether the effects could be caused by the drug and will be able to consider an alternative treatment if needed. You can also reduce your cholesterol levels by making changes to your diet. Try to avoid or cut down on the following foods, which are high in saturated fat: fatty cuts of meat and meat products, such as sausages and pies butter, ghee and lard cream, soured cream, crème fraîche and ice cream cheese, particularly hard cheese cakes and biscuits milk chocolate coconut oil, coconut cream and palm oil  Links To The Headlines Statins ARE safe and we should give them to six million more people because ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: QA articles Medication Heart/lungs Source Type: news