Statins

House of Lords written question – answered at on 29 July 2014.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lord Taylor of Warwick Lord Taylor of Warwick Non-affiliated

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they consider that offering statins to more people will discourage the adoption of long-term healthy lifestyles.

Photo of Earl Howe Earl Howe The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health

Earlier this month, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidance on the modification of blood lipids (cholesterol) for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The guidance recognises the place of statins in the primary prevention of CVD. However, it does not propose that statins should be used instead of the lifestyle adjustments that people at risk of CVD need to make—such as stopping smoking, being more active, drinking less alcohol, eating more healthily and losing weight.

The guidance encourages general practitioners to fully explore with their patients the ways in which people can reduce their risk of CVD, presenting all the options promoted by NICE’s guidance, including lifestyle changes, and to allow patients to make their own decisions.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes0 people think so

No0 people think not

Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.