Adults with high cholesterol advised to take statins

ADULTS who are apparently healthy but have high cholesterol should be given statins because they are still in greater danger from heart attacks and strokes, research suggests.

Supposedly low-risk individuals with high cholesterol at 42 were at significantly greater risk of dying of cardiovascular disease over the next 30 years, a study found.

Even those with only slightly raised levels were up to 40% more likely to die from a heart attack or stroke over the next three decades, the study found. This increased to around 80% for those with high or very high cholesterol, according to findings published in the American Heart Association journal, Circulation.

It is likely to reignite the debate over whether more of the cholesterol-busting drugs should be dished out to people – regardless of age – just in case they have heart problems in later life.

Experts agree that for those who already have a high heart risk, particularly those who have had a heart attack or a stroke, statins are proven lifesavers, slashing the chance of a second attack. But many doctors are uneasy with what they view as “over-medicalising” the middle aged.

Of the group, which was 72% men, with an average age of 42, there were 1 086 deaths from cardiovascular disease, such as strokes, and 598 coronary heart disease deaths.

Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol is a type of cholesterol that contributes to clogged arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

They found those with moderate to slightly high levels of LDL had a 30% to 40% higher risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke.

This increased to 70% to 90% for those with high or very high cholesterol. Researchers suggest adults should try to lower elevated cholesterol first through lifestyle changes, or in certain cases, medication.

Reducing saturated and trans fats in the diet, keeping a healthy body weight, and exercising often are all known to lower levels of LDL cholesterol. When lifestyle changes are not deemed sufficient, statins are used to reduce the liver’s production of LDL.

Because the body needs cholesterol for other tasks, the liver instead takes cholesterol from the bloodstream, lowering levels. – Daily Mail