Statins have long been a cornerstone of treating high cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Despite their widespread use, many patients choose not to start or continue treatment, even though elevated cholesterol is considered a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
According to Health, concerns about side effects, most commonly muscle pain, fatigue, and weight gain, are a key reason for this reluctance.
This skepticism contrasts sharply with the seriousness with which prolonged high cholesterol levels are viewed within healthcare systems, making the safety debate around statins a significant public health issue.
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Evidence from large-scale trials
New research published in The Lancet provides fresh insight into these concerns.
Researchers at the University of Oxford analyzed data from 23 large randomized trials involving more than 150,000 participants.
The review focused on 66 potential side effects listed in statin patient information leaflets.
According to lead researcher Christina Reith, most symptoms occurred just as often in participants who received a placebo as in those who were given statins.
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Muscle pain and clinical findings
This pattern also applied to muscle pain, which has for years been the most frequently reported side effect.
Previous studies from the same research group found that any additional risk was small and largely confined to the early stages of treatment.
The analysis did identify some differences, including mildly elevated liver values and small changes that may be related to kidney function.
However, no increase in serious complications was observed.
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Implications for public health
Michael D. Shapiro of Wake Forest Baptist Health told Health that statins can be life-saving, but many patients forgo their benefits because of fear rather than evidence.
Overall, the findings highlight a clear gap between widespread concern about statins and what current research can support.
Sources: Health, and The Lancet.
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