Do Statins Actually Work?Journal Club Explores Recent Paper

In this episode the surgeons discuss a journal article about the benefits of statins. This article suggests that the health benefits are not as significant as previously thought.

The article:

Byrne P, Demasi M, Jones M, Smith SM, O’Brien KK, DuBroff R. Evaluating the Association Between Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction and Relative and Absolute Effects of Statin Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2022;182(5):474–481. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.0134

Medical emergency
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General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practise medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.

[saljosie]

Respect for these doctors for being honest and giving the facts without any spin

[maryannchaisson]

I was on a statin a number of years ago, and had such skeletal pain ( along with other symptoms ), at this time I was an only caregiver for my husband (total 20 yrs). He died in January 2018, I have been off statins since about 4/18, do water exercises 3xweek, watch what I eat and 90% of my stress is gone! Although my numbers are still higher than I’d like, just had ECG, and all were amazed that I’m 82 years young. I will never take statins again for my personal health. Personally I think Stress is a major factor as well as one’s own personality. I have always been an “A” type and realize that at my age, we are all in a terminal stage....meantime I’ll continue to live, enjoy my children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. Enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing this information. 🇨🇦🇨🇦👏👏👏❤️
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[SemperFiBiologist]

My doctor wanted to put me on statins last year because my cholesterol was so high, even though I didn't have any other risk factors. He was not happy with me when I refused, but I simply wasn't going to do it. I retired in April of this year. Started walking/running and working out more, and went to a plant-based diet. I just had my annual physical again for this year last week. I was 34 pounds lighter than last year. My total cholesterol went from 338 to 185. LDL went from 219 to 112 and triglycerides went from 202 to 97. I'm also no longer pre-diabetic. I don't think I can give all the credit to the plant-based diet although I'm sure it helped. My diet when I was working was awful because I spent a lot of time on the road. I'm sure the weight-loss and lack of work-related stress helped as well. I am a little disappointed my doctor never even mentioned life-style changes to control my cholesterol and just went right to the drugs, but I guess I can understand. I'm sure 99% of the people out there wouldn't be interested in making the sacrifices necessary to change their lives. By the way, love your videos. I listen to them when I'm working out.

[vickiepatterson]

Another great informative video you two!
A lot of people don't always understand why they are being put on a medication. And they may not know the questions to ask their doctor.
You explain things so clearly and help us realize that not everything is absolute.
You let us know when we should talk to our doctor about something and you're making people more aware every day.
But most importantly, you talk to us using terms we can understand. People are asking more questions and actually doing research as well.
You've planted a seed in a lot of people and you're helping us realize we're in charge of our own health. Not just from saying that phrase in every video but from the way you present options to us. You actually make us eager to learn!
You two could really take your act on the road! Your sense of humor is amazing and takes the sting out of learning medical conditions and concerns.
One of the most important things you're teaching us is how to communicate! Whether it be with our doctor, pharmacist or nurse, we have someone to listen and answer our questions.
I've said it many times before and I'll keep saying it, you two are providing a great service to a great number of people! Your selfless acts of giving us these videos have probably saved many lives. There's a wealth of information you provide and ask nothing in return. And you make us smile with your delivery! If there were more people like you, the world would certainly be a better place!
Thanks for sharing another great video and all the great information you provide! ❣️

[kakman]

I'm very pleased to see this video. I was on cholesterol lowering medications and had terrible side effects. I finally found a Dr who assessed me on my actual CVD risks - low BP, good weight, very low CCS and excellent HDL/Trig ratio. He also had an LDL subfraction analysis done which showed all my high cholesterol was of the 'harmless' type. He took me off statins and suddenly many of my aberrant blood test results started to improve - especially my liver scores which had been very poor. 
I'm not convinced cholesterol is the absolute demon its made out to be and I'm seeing increasing evidence that more Drs are starting to come to the same conclusion. To be frank, I'm far more concerned about my major organ health than my cholesterol levels.

[Mel-yhyn]

You guys are just awesome! Please don’t stop. You guys are amazing with how you deliver info. Informative but oh so funny. You guys are naturally funny which keeps us coming back for more!

[robertcorrasa]

Hi, my doctor prescribed a Statin for me. When I went to the Pharmacy to get it, the three ladies asked me some questions. The first lady took my order, the second lady brought my order, and the third lady was the actual Pharmacist. All three of them asked me the same questions. Do you have high cholesterol? Do you have heart problems? Do heart problems run in your family? And are you diabetic? The answer to all of these questions was no. My cholesterol is 119 now, my lowest was 102, and my highest was 141. All three of these ladies, then asked me why I am getting this? I brought it home and never took a single one. I'm soon to turn 78 years old.

[marieholzwasser]

I started statins about 6 months ago. My total cholesterol was 245. It is now 144; 65 HDL & 79 LDL. AMAZING!! I am now watching my weight by counting calories and am trying to exercise more. I turned 70 and am looking forward to a few more good years ahead of me.

[MichaelSmith-lywx]

Excellent follow up video. You've exposed how people can be deceived through statistics if you don't know the difference between relative and absolute values. Cheers!

[odilalaw]

I really enjoy your jovial delivery it makes the symptoms less frightening. Thank you so much

[porcupinepete]

Oddly enough, this is exactly what I said to you guys a few months ago and you basically trashed my opinion. And now you have reviewed the information that I already knew about and completely agree. Thank you. At least you are willing to look at new data and modify your opinions. That is something I respect. That is what science is. Good work.

[Mel-yhyn]

This is so good! You guys are definitely the best docs online!

[danteburritar]

The reason they couldn’t show a correlation between LDL reduction and less “events/outcomes” is because the benefits of statins that reduces all-cause mortality is not the cholesterol reduction it’s the statins reduction of inflammation which in turn reduces arterial damage! Cholesterol is not the culprit, inflammation is the culprit. This is well-known - see Ford Brewer’s videos.

[cathythielen]

Excellent discussion! I also have high LDL (& overall) cholesterol - familial - & it is relatively well controlled with a low-dose statin. I've had that Ca scan, which is clear, & no glimmer of any heart incident. Both sides of my family have a history of heart disease & death due to heart disease. Dr has mentioned the possibility of increasing the statin or adding another. I had a terrible time starting - 10+/- years starting & stopping because of leg cramps, tried different statins, & finally used a "titration" process to get me up to speed. Dr & I will now have a very different discussion now about changing meds. Thanks so much!

[g.e.b.]

Terrific! You are the first two doctors willing to discuss, in the open, Relative versus Absolute Risk Reduction, regarding statin therapy. The difference, as you pointed out, is substantial. I've read in various scientific articles that statins can be harmful, including the possibility of cancer, cataracts, diabetes, cognitive impairment and serious and persistent cramps in legs and hands. In my case I experienced terrible cramps and painful electrical discharges from my fingertips. I was prescribed statins after my triple bypass operation three years ago, even though my cholesterol panel values were excellent. After fifteen months of agony I told my GP and cardiologist that I was going to stop taking statins. Both of them strongly disagreed, but I quit, changed diet and started exercising seriously one hour a day.
So far my cholesterol is still very good and i don't plan to go back to taking statins ever again. Thanks for your video. I'm very grateful for you honesty and professionality, as always.

[brianhickey]

A very comprehensive discussion! You doctors bring a balanced viewpoint and speak facts and information in digestible language :) I definitely appreciate the Absolute Risk Reduction vs Relative Risk Reduction and this is a key aspect of a good health study. I knew I studied hard in those classes learning scientific method for some reason - LOL! Thank you very much!

[ericrogers]

Keep up the great educational aspect of your videos, love the rapport between the two of you, it keeps us involved. Thanks

[dwightkellams]

I refer to Dr. Gabe Mirkin. I believe that I summarize his findings: statins do not prevent heart attacks; however if you have had a heart attack, statins do prevent subsequent heart attacks. Please review his website and documentation as I reviewed this information many years ago and use this as my guideline. However there may have been updates that I am unaware.

I am a cyclist and statin side effects are significant as discussed on cycling forums. My cycling buddy thought he was cramping due to lack of fitness but it probably was muscle pain from statin side effects.

[scottgordon]

What a pairahdocs. Thanks guys you do a great service with your videos.

[johncost]

You guys are great. I love the subtle--and not too subtle--humor. And the fact that I learn a lot from watching your channel.