Use of statins to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults
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Use of statins to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults

Helen Ford Senior lecturer, Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, Worcester

The relationship between serum cholesterol and cardiovascular disease is well established. Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events involves the use of statins to reduce cholesterol levels, as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. This article provides an overview of fats and lipids within the body, and explores how statins work to reduce cholesterol. The risks and benefits of statin therapy are discussed, including food and drug interactions, and optimum dose time.

Nursing Standard. 27, 39, 48-56. doi: 10.7748/ns2013.05.27.39.48.e7391

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Accepted: 26 March 2013

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