Oxford researchers uphold statin benefits
statins - a class of drug that lowers cholesterol - should be
prescribed to anyone with risk factors for heart attacks and
strokes.
Researchers from Oxford University said yesterday on Tuesday that statins - a class of drug that lowers cholesterol - should be prescribed to anyone with risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. The announcement follows a £21 million Heart Protection study by Rory Collins, Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the university, which found that the drugs, which cost no more than £1 per patient per day, could help save one-third of people at risk of stroke and heart attack. Prof Collins called the results of the study "stunning", and as important as previous findings for aspirin's effects on heart attack and strokes. Richard Peto, Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology at Oxford University, said the findings would "revolutionise preventative medicine". The NHS Director for Heart Disease, Roger Boyle, said the government would be considering the study with "great interest and care".
