Stopping statin treatment early could substantially reduce lifetime protection against heart disease, according to a new study.
Researchers suggest this is because the benefit of taking the cholesterol-lowering drugs is seen later in life. Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK, with millions taking them to cut their chance of a heart attack or stroke.
Lead author Dr Runguo Wu, of Queen Mary University, London, said: “The study indicates that people in their 40s with a high likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, and people of all ages with existing heart disease, should be considered for immediate initiation of cholesterol-lowering treatment.
