Do healthy people with high cholesterol need statins?

GP Dr Neville Wilson comes out in support of Mr Sherif Sultan following the HSE’s rejection of the surgeon’s research findings on statins (IMT, 11.10.13) Statins are inhibitors of the enzyme (HMG-CoA) reductase, which catalyses the rate-limiting step in cholesterol formation, reducing total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations, but also inhibiting the synthesis of several life-sustaining substances, thereby raising the potential for serious adverse events. The debate revolves around whether such reductions translate into net health gains for persons without cardiovascular disease, or to increased risks for morbidity and premature mortality. Critical evidence clearly supports the latter. The Adult…