[Addition of statins into the public water supply? Risks of side effects and low cholesterol levels]

Cas Lek Cesk. 2012;151(5):243-7.
[Article in Slovak]

Abstract

After the discovery of antibiotics, statins, the inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis have been the best-selling prescription drug in the world. These drugs have well documented benefits for cardiovascular disease in many groups of patients at moderate and high cardiovascular risk. US Health authorities are currently pushing for anti-cholesterol drugs to be added to the public water supply. Statins in-depth studies have shown that they can actually have a detrimental effect on the health of people without high cholesterol or heart disorders. Statins should be prescribed only to those patients with heart disease, or who have suffered the condition in the past. Researchers warn that unless a patient is at high risk of the heart attack or stroke, statins may cause more harm than good.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cholesterol / blood*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Myocardial Infarction / prevention & control
  • Stroke / prevention & control
  • Water Supply*

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Cholesterol