Now Reading: Landmark study: statin benefits outweigh risks
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Landmark study: statin benefits outweigh risks
A landmark study published in The Lancet in February found that only 4 of 66 listed side-effects of statins showed any link with the drug. The study by Oxford Population Health reported…
The Story in Brief
A landmark study published in The Lancet in February found that only 4 of 66 listed side-effects of statins showed any link with the drug. The study by Oxford Population Health reported no significant memory loss, depression, or sleep issues from statin therapy. It also said that over 90 per cent of muscle ache symptoms were not caused by statins.
For every 1,000 people taking moderate-intensity statins, the drug would cause 11 mild muscle pain episodes but prevent 50 vascular events in those with existing disease. A 2022 BMJ study found only 1 in 15 muscle complaints were statin-related. While statins can slightly raise blood sugar, benefits still outweigh risks, a 2023 study concluded. Doctors advise against discontinuing without consultation.
The Indian Opinion
Many patients stop taking statins due to exaggerated fears of side-effects fuelled by drug information leaflets and anecdotal reports. This landmark study provides concrete evidence that the risks are minimal compared to the proven benefits in preventing heart attacks and strokes. The real test will be whether doctors and patients now trust the data enough to improve adherence rates, especially among those at high risk.
Source: deccanherald.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
