A WORRYING snapshot of flagging statin use has emerged. These controversial cholesterol-busting drugs are not being taken in many cases in which they could cut the risk of cardiovascular disease, the world鈥檚 biggest killer.
Recent and .
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At the same time, a highly vocal group, which includes a number of campaigning medics and self-styled researchers, are decrying the wider use of these drugs. Some of these critics have alternative diets and supplements to promote. They argue that statins are over prescribed, and that their side effects can outweigh the benefits.
Although , in many nations efforts to cut the toll have helped. This is mainly thanks to increased knowledge of risk factors, especially smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.
Key among the innovations are statins, which have saved many lives since their introduction in 1987. These drugs partially inhibit enzymes that make cholesterol in the body, reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the so-called bad cholesterol).
Which brings us to another anti-statin point of view. Some of the critics , and that its relationship to cardiovascular disease is overstated; this goes against a lot of evidence.
The simplistic notion that herbal supplements, vitamin pills or diets 鈥� for example, low-carb/high-fat plans 鈥� are a better bet than medical intervention carries with it the risk that people will develop a false sense of security. They may imagine that just because they visit a health food shop or follow a fad diet they are safe.
The most persuasive point made by this outspoken group is that statins encourage people to pop pills rather than change lifestyle. Although in many ways this is laudable, it is a false dichotomy. In short, those who say statins risk over-medicalising society seem to ignore the danger of under-medicalising those at risk. You should not abandon drugs just because lifestyle factors are important too.
Preventative treatments can attract heightened suspicion and fear, as shown by the spread of nonsense related to vaccines. While most people reject the views of the anti-vaccination crowd, anti-statin ones seem to receive less mainstream criticism.
For anyone who loves science and rationality, vaccine denial is the benchmark of stupidity, and worth fighting against. In time, I believe that we shall view the fight over statins in a similar way.
This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淭aking it to heart鈥�
