Transcript Slide 1

The Statins
Revolution
Doctors have an amazing new weapon against high
cholesterol levels and the problems they can bring.
• Statins are a group of drugs that can be used
to reduce cholesterol.
• Statins work by stopping the liver producing
as much cholesterol.
• Patients also need to keep to a relatively low
fat diet as well for the best effects.
Here are some different
opinions about these
exciting new drugs
Drug Company Rep
• We are delighted with the
results we are getting with
statins.
• We have got data from
several really large, powerful
research trails involving over
30,000 patients.
Drug Company Rep
• The trials all show similar
results.
• Using a statin drug can lower
your chances of having a
heart attack or stroke by
25% to 40% - and we didn’t
find too many side effects.
GP Doctor
• Some people just can’t get
their cholesterol balance
right by changing their diet.
• It doesn’t matter how hard
they try.
GP Doctor
• I’ve been very pleased with
the results using statins.
• Almost all my patients have
now got healthy cholesterol
levels.
GP Doctor
• What’s more, we have lost
far fewer people to strokes
and heart attacks since we
started using the drugs.
Patient
• I’m so pleased with my new
medicine
• The pills have brought my
cholesterol levels right down
and I’m feeling really well
Patient
• I’m very worried about the
possible side effects with
these new tablets
• The leaflet said they can
cause liver damage.
Patient
• I know my cholesterol levels
were very high without the
tablets…
…but I think I’m going to stop
taking them.
• I don’t want my liver to rot!
Patient
• The great thing about these
new statins that the doctor’s
given me is that they control
my cholesterol for me.
Patient
• It’s back to the cream cakes
and chips for me - and I
won’t have to worry about
my heart!
TASK
Write a short report on
statins for the health
page of your local paper