The cholesterol lowering pill statins taken by millions of people can cause memory loss and depression, warned researchers. The much is not known about the damages caused by statins, frequently provided to prevent heart disease and stroke. Millions of people around the globe take statins when they reach by the age of forty and above.
They are tremendously effectual in lowering cholesterol levels, which is fatty matter in the blood that clogs up arteries escorting to heart attack and strokes. Several people who slightly have blood pressure and cholesterol are routinely prescribed statins by their doctors. Additionally low-dose pills are increasingly bought over the counter without any prescription.
The study which analyzed drug trail also indicated that huge trials have been conducted by drug companies who may underplay any potential risks. Several patients taking statins have experienced interim memory loss, depression and mood swings. The earlier studies have also associated the medication to higher threat of acute kidney failure, liver dysfunction, cataracts and myopathy.
It was revealed that even though the drugs did prevent heart attacks and strokes, there was not sufficient proof to recommend them to patients with no earlier history of heart disease. The drugs should only be taken by patients for whom the benefits of the drug outweigh any possible threats, believed leading experts.
The resolution to prescribe statins to those who have no history of heart disease should not be taken lightly, explained lead author Fiona Taylor, and reported the study published in the Cochrane Library. When the evidence is put together it is found it supports the use of statins, explained Prof Shah Ebrahim from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
According to Amy Thompson, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, statins have enormous benefits for people heart and circulatory disease. They help to decrease the risk of heart disease including heart attacks. But it is yet uncertain if statins provide any real benefits for people without heart and circulatory disease and who are at low risk.