Statins’ benefit ‘inconclusive’

Medicines commonly prescribed to cut people’s risk of having a heart attack may have limited use for treating other diseases, analysis of hundreds of scientific studies has suggested.

Statins are a class of drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol in the blood. Often given to older people, they can help to reduce their risk of heart disease and strokes.

Previous studies have sug- gested the drugs might also help people with non-heartrelated conditions such as cancer, dementia and kidney disease.

A team of experts led by the University of Edinburgh found “positive signs” the drugs could benefit people with certain conditions, but they said the results were ultimately inconclusive.

Researchers found there was not enough evidence to support a change in guidance for the way the drugs are prescribed.