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 reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
Accepted: 26 March 2013
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