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Study finds this many people suffer side effects from statins

"These results clearly show patients needn’t be afraid of statin therapy as it is very well tolerated in as much as 93 percent."

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The study found that "in most cases statin intolerance is over-estimated and over-diagnosed" (ESB Professional/Shutterstock)

By Mark Waghorn via SWNS

Fewer than one-in-10 people suffer side effects from statins, according to new research.

Intolerance to the cholesterol-busting drugs is "over-estimated and over-diagnosed," say scientists.

True prevalence is between six and 10 percent. Up to half of patients stop taking them or reduce the dose.

It increases the risk of heart and circulation problems caused by harmful fats, or lipids. They can lead to potentially fatal blood clots.

The pills have been linked to muscle pain, headaches, dizziness, nausea, tiredness and digestive problems.

Lead author Professor Maciej Banach, of the Medical University of Lodz in Poland, said: "These results were not a surprise to me but they were for many other experts.

"They show in most cases statin intolerance is over-estimated and over-diagnosed.

"They mean around 93% of patients on statin therapy can be treated effectively - with very good tolerability and without any safety issues."

The study, the largest of its kind to date, was based on more than 4 million individuals across the world.

About 35 million people in the USA take statins to protect against heart attacks and strokes.

Prof Banach said: "Our findings mean we should evaluate patients' symptoms very carefully.

"Firstly to see whether symptoms are indeed caused by statins, and secondly, to evaluate whether it might be patients' perceptions that statins are harmful.

"The so-called 'nocebo' or 'drucebo' effect could be responsible for more than 50% of all symptoms - rather than the drug itself."

Statins are among the most commonly prescribed drugs. There is "strong and unambiguous" evidence that they combat cardiovascular disease.

It was not been clear what proportion of the population are actually allergic to them - until now.

Portrait of happy female patient showing thumbs up sign while standing with doctor in clinic
Statins may be even safer than previously thought, according to the new research. (ESB Professional/Shutterstock)

Inconsistent reports from studies, randomized controlled trials and databases suggested numbers ranging from five to 50 percent.

The study, published in the European Heart Journal, found the real figure is at the lower end of the scale. It pooled data from 176 studies.

Overall prevalence was nine percent - falling to seven, 6.7 and six percent when using diagnostic criteria from the National Lipid Association, the International Lipid Expert Panel and the European Atherosclerosis Society, respectively.

Those who were older, female, of Black or Asian race, obese, or suffering from diabetes, under-active thyroid glands, or chronic liver or kidney failure were more likely to be statin intolerant.

In addition, drugs to control irregular heartbeat, calcium channel blockers for chest pain and high blood pressure, heavy drinking and higher statin doses were other aggravating factors.

Prof Banach said: "It's critically important to know about these risk factors so we can predict effectively that a particular patient is at higher risk of statin intolerance.

"Then we can consider upfront other ways to treat them in order to reduce the risk and improve adherence to treatment.

"This could include lower statin doses, combination therapy and use of innovative new drugs."

Prevalence in these groups ranged from 22 percent for high alcohol consumption to 48 percent for women.

Prof Banach said: "I believe the size of our study, which is the largest in the world to investigate this question, means we are able to finally and effectively answer the question about the true prevalence of statin intolerance.

"These results clearly show patients needn’t be afraid of statin therapy as it is very well tolerated in as much as 93 percent, which is similar or even better than other cardiology drugs, including ones for reducing blood pressure and clotting or blocking of blood vessels.

"What is more, patients need to know that statins may prolong their life, and in cases where side effects appear, we have enough knowledge to manage these effectively.

"The most important message to patients as a result of this study is that they should keep on taking statins according to the prescribed dose, and discuss any side effects with their doctor, rather than discontinuing the medication.

"The same clear message can be addressed to physicians treating patients with high cholesterol levels.

"Most cases of statin intolerance observed in clinical practice are associated with effects caused by patients' misconceptions about the side effects of statins or may be due to other reasons.

"Therefore, we should carefully evaluate symptoms, assessing in detail patients' medical histories, when the symptoms appeared, specific details of pain, other medications the patients are taking, and other conditions and risk factors.

"Then we will see that statins can be used safely in most patients, which is critically important for reducing their cholesterol levels and preventing heart and blood vessel diseases and death."

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