Statin use in Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease: Issues and Perspectives
N. N. NwobodoDepartment of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu Nigeria.
Correspondence Author E-mail: nnwobodo@yahoo.com
Abstract: Results from clinical trials have conclusively shown that statins lower the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease. It has been argued that access to low-dose non-prescription statin therapy may complement life-style changes in modifying risk profile of individuals to coronary heart disease (CHD). A major statin trial confirmed that primary prevention was clinically feasible in a lower intermediate-risk population, benefit being consistent across the range of baseline LDL cholesterol quartiles. However, there are constraints limiting the advocacy for use of OTC statins in primary prevention of CHD. It is generally acknowledged that although statins may be great prescription drugs, they are certainly not very suitable as OTC for primary prevention of CHD. The conditions for which statins are indicated are usually not self-diagnosable. OTC drugs are generally indicated for relief of symptoms and not for prevention. Notwithstanding, the prospects of statins in attaining non-prescription OTC status still remain promising. The need for enlightenment and education of the general public, particularly the population at risk, on the adverse effects and benefits of statin use can never be over-emphasized.
Keywords: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD); Over-the-Counter(OTC); Primary Prevention; Statins Back to TOC