A review of statin use for the prevention of cardiovascular disease shows very positive support for the use of statin medication. My readers know that I am very much in favor of lifestyle changes to lower cardiovascular risk and this is always the preferred first strategy. This just published article validates the safety and net benefit of medication in the event a person’s risk is not optimal. Contrary to much lay literature the science on this is very strong. Read the study abstract for complete information. I felt as a bottom line comment to the readers an excerpt from the article is very important to note.
“The incidence of cancers, myalgia, rhabdomyolysis, liver enzyme elevation, renal dysfunction, or arthritis did not differ between the groups, although not all trials reported fully on these outcomes. Rates of adverse events (17%) and stopping treatment (12%) were similar in statin and placebo/control groups.”
Bottom line here: A large and mature body of literature (and my clinical experience) supports all-cause mortality benefit from the use of statin therapy for persons at risk for heart attack, large vessel atherosclerosis and stroke. If all-cause mortality is reduced, this by definition means subjects using medication are not trading a heart attack for fatal liver disease (a myth), or cancer induced by the medication. If you need it, you should feel comfortable taking it.