As doctors urge two million Brits to take the cholesterol-busting drug statins, take our quiz to see if you need the life-saving drugs
Find out if your lifestyle needs an overhaul with our tips
SIX million Brits take statins – but a new review suggests two million MORE should use the cholesterol-busting drugs.
The Oxford University study, published in medical journal The Lancet, found the dangers of the pills have been overestimated.
And the benefits — preventing heart disease and strokes — could save the NHS billions of pounds, as well as countless lives.
Sun doctor Carol Cooper says: “It’s important to take heart disease seriously — before you develop it.
Everyone should do what they can to reduce the chances of a heart attack or stroke..”
Take our quiz to see if you should join the statin army too.
1. How old are you?
a) 45+.
b) 30-45.
c) Under 30.
2. How tall are you?
a) Male — under 5ft 9in. Female — under 5ft 3in.
b) Male — around 5ft 11in. Female — around 5ft 5in.
c) Male — 6ft 2in or taller. Female — 5ft 8in or taller.
3. What’s your idea of breakfast?
a) Toast or a sausage sandwich, cup of tea.
b) Granola and fresh fruit.
c) Nothing.
4. How would you best describe your figure?
a) I’m overweight but am trying to lose weight.
b) Average, I’m not over or under weight.
c) I’m half a stone heavier than I’d like to be.
5. How many hours a week do you exercise?
a) 0.
b) 5+ hours a week.
c) 1-4 hours a week.
6. How many portions of fruit and veg do you eat a day?
a) 1-2.
b) 5+.
c) 2-4.
7. How many takeaways do you have a month?
a) 4-6.
b) 2-3.
c) 0-2.
8. How healthy is your family?
a) Lots of heart disease and premature death.
b) Very, I have great aunts and uncles/grandparents still alive.
c) Bit of a mixed bag in terms of illness and longevity.
Heart facts
STATINS are drugs that help lower cholesterol which, in turn, prevents other problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. They were first used in the late Eighties.
- Heart disease is the UK’s biggest killer, claiming the lives of 42,000 people every year – that is 115 people a day.
- Risk factors for heart problems include poor lifestyle habits, such as drinking, smoking, lack of exercise and bad diet.
- Anyone over the age of 40 is entitled to a NHS check-up that tests cholesterol levels. If you suspect you have high cholesterol see your GP.
9. Do you smoke?
a) Yes.
b) No.
c) Occasionally with a beer/wine, not often.
10. Have you checked your cholesterol levels recently?
a) I’ve never had them checked.
b) In the last ten years.
c) Yes, but only because I get out of breath walking to the GP’s surgery.
11. How often do you drink alcohol?
a) At least 4-5 nights a week.
b) Never.
c) 2 nights a week.
12. Are you diabetic?
a) Yes.
b) I’m pre-diabetic.
c) No.
13. Have you ever had high blood pressure?
a) Yes.
b) I’m unsure.
c) No.
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14. What is your ethnicity?
a) African or Indian.
b) Caucasian/white.
c) Japanese.
d) Not applicable.
15. Are you menopausal or post-menopausal?
a) Yes.
b) No - I’m not quite old enough.
c) Doesn’t apply to me - I’m a bloke.
16. Have you been diagnosed with heart disease or told you’re at risk of heart disease?
a) Yes.
b) Unsure.
c) No.
17. Do you have high blood pressure?
a) Yes.
b) Unsure.
c) No.
NOTES: People from Africa or South Asia have a higher chance of developing heart disease, according to the British Heart Foundation. Japan has the world’s lowest rate of heart disease.
Drinking a little often means you’re less likely to die prematurely, according to a Texas University study.
Tall people are less likely than short people to have heart disease, according to a British study.
Mostly As
YOUR lifestyle needs an overhaul for the sake of your heart health and to reduce the risk of dementia and cancer.
You are at significant risk of developing high cholesterol.
There is more bad news if you are short. A study of 200,000 Brits found being 2.5in shorter than the average upped the risk of heart disease by 14 per cent.
For women, the menopause increases bad cholesterol (LDL) and lowers good cholesterol (HDL).
Obesity makes you more prone to problems like high cholesterol and diabetes.
Mostly Bs
WHILE not showing signs of a high risk of heart disease, you could still potentially need statins.
Oats, wholegrains and nuts can block the body from absorbing cholesterol, so this for breakfast is a good choice.
Alcohol has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, according to researchers in New York, so it is advisable to cut down.
More than 100 genes determine how we manage cholesterol, so be aware of any family history of heart disease.
Mostly Cs
WHILE there are definite statistical risk factors which can be attributed to increased cholesterol, there are also borderline cases where your GP will be best placed to assess your risk of developing high cholesterol and therefore needing statins.
This is important for you to remember as you age – so know the signs and stay on top of your cholesterol.
A recent study from Harvard found using statins across a broad section of the population could save lives – so it doesn’t rule you out.
My View: Sun doctor Carol Cooper
NO pill is perfect but when it comes to statins, the benefits outweigh any side-effects for most people.
The drugs lower cholesterol very effectively. But there is no point doing this unless there is a gain in lifespan or quality of life.
Fortunately, statins do just that. They help to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and serious circulation problems.
Not everyone needs statins but many do, especially if they have other risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Diabetes is linked to heart and vascular disease. The downside? Statins aren’t suitable in pregnancy.
Also, frail, elderly people and those on many other medicines are more likely to suffer side-effects.
One serious problem is muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis but it is thankfully very rare.
Most people over 40 are offered a cholesterol test every five years.
Once on a statin, annual blood tests are usual to ensure the dose is correct.