What you should know about: Statins
Two recent studies add to the debate about the use of statins, which are drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart attack and stroke. One study suggested that the guidelines for statin therapy be revised to include even people at low risk for a vascular event. The other study counters recent concerns that statins can be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The issue comes down to risks and benefits, but people with established cardiovascular disease involving plaque buildup in the arteries should be on the drugs.
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