No single solution

LOWERING of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or "bad" cholesterol has been incontrovertibly associated with reduction in heart attacks and strokes. Based on current evidence, for each 1.0 mmol/L (40 mg/dL) reduction in LDL-C, there is a 22 per cent reduction in heart attacks and stroke and 10 per cent reduction in death. LDL-C lowering has been achieved mainly through a combination of diet and use of statins. Many patients who are taking statins are worried about their side-effects. In addition to the commonly known side-effects of statins on the liver and muscles, there are also other side-effects which have an important impact on the health of the patients. When comparisons are made between individual statins, those on pravastatin and simvastatin are less likely to discontinue medication compared to those on atorvastatin and rosuvastatin.

Uncommon side-effects

Lesser-known but significant side-effects of statins include a small but real increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus, an impact on the brain in a small percentage of statin users and potential damage to the kidney. A 2010 Lancet publication based on data from combined studies showed that for every 1,000 patients given statins for four years, there will be an additional four new diabetics but this is offset by the prevention of about 22 cardiovascular events (heart attacks or strokes).