New Study Suggests that Millions Fewer Americans May Need to Take Statins

[Smitty1956]

I just read this article (not the actual research article) that suggests that potentially 40% of Americans taking statins may not need to take them. What are your thoughts?

apple.news/A2w_8AMmESbq59-D...

[Lowerfield_no_more]

What's your view?

Mine is, it's click bait, and to my mind the article is poorly written. Otherwise the former and current prediction model seems to be generally acknowledged to be overcautious, but recommendations arising from using the new model have yet to be finalised. But the important thing for folks on here is that the vast majority already have heart disease of some sort so the use of predictive models is irrelevant, which is something that is acknowledged in the application of Qrisk as used by the NHS.

[Smitty1956 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Factually, I agree with you. I have had a HA, and I take my prescribed statin dutifully each day. I have no plans to stop taking my statin.

However, this new risk calculator, once finalized, could have implications for many millions of people. Plus, I agree with the article in the statement that many people who are at risk of a HA, or stroke, already do not take their prescribed statins.

While this study seems to be geared toward Americans, it would likely just be a matter of time until new guidelines in prescribing statins would also affect people in other nations.

I was simply tossing the article out for discussion—not as an endorsement for not taking statins. In my case, I wish that I would have been advised about my potential risk for having a HA, and that my doctor would have suggested taking a statin as a preventive medication. Now, knowing myself, I might have refused the medication, but that would have been on me.

Anyway, thanks for reading and sharing! 😊