For Many, the Risks of Statins May Outweigh Their Benefits

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine warned the potential harms of cholesterol-lowering statins far offset the benefits until a person's risk is much higher than the 10 percent threshold cited in current U.S. guidelines, reports MedShadow . The researchers examined data from more than 40 studies on four commonly prescribed statins: Lipitor, Zocor, Pravachol, and Crestor. Possible side effects included muscle weakness, kidney or liver dysfunction, diabetes, cataracts, and headaches. The investigators did not observe a net benefit in men between 70 and 75 years old unless their 10-year cardiovascular disease risk was at least 21 percent. Meanwhile, men 40 to 44 did not get a net benefit until their risk was at least 14 percent. The University of Zurich's Milo Puhan said as people get older, the advantages of statins diminish compared to harm, and only 15 percent to 20 percent of older adults should be taking statins versus 40 percent recommended by current guidelines.