The following item is here reproduced from the Irish Independent newspaper website, dated 5th October 2013:
'Mr Sultan and his surgeon colleague Niamh Hynes said lifestyle changes to reduce cholesterol were better because this allowed people to avoid the risk of statins' side effects.'
'However, in a statement last night, Dr Pat Nash, a cardiologist and the group clinical director in University College Hospital said the recently published views of his colleagues were "not representative" of those in Galway or neighbouring hospitals.'
' "As group clinical director of the West/North West Hospitals Group, and a working cardiologist, I wish to reassure patients that statins are safe," said Dr Nash.'
' "These are very important, well-validated drugs for the treatment of elevated cholesterol. We have extensive evidence to show their benefit and to show that they improve outcomes for patients with heart disease and stroke and that they have a role in preventing heart disease and stroke.
"As always, if patients have any concerns, they should not discontinue their medication without discussing with their GP or consultant."'
'Asked to comment, Mr Sultan said: "I have received an official warning from the HSE and have been instructed not to liaise directly with the press in my capacity as a HSE consultant." '
'However, he said he could continue to comment as a consultant vascular surgeon at the Galway Clinic, where he has a private practice.'
'The HSE declined to comment on the reasons for ordering Mr Sultan not to speak as a public consultant.'
'He said he stood by his analysis of the role of statins in otherwise healthy patients with high cholesterol. He pointed to another recently published review on exercise versus drug therapy in the management of pre-diabetes and cardiovascular disease.'
' "That 'British Medical Journal' analysis showed the superiority of exercise over drug therapy extends even to secondary prevention (where patients have developed disease).'
' "The most convincing evidence is in stroke prevention." '
'He pointed out that his own review had found there were benefits in prescribing some dosages of statins for certain patients who were already diagnosed with heart disease or had a history of a previous heart attack or stroke.'
CONCERNS
'He had advised any patient who was taking statins and had concerns to talk to their doctor about them and heed their advice. '
'Around
250,000 prescriptions for statins are written monthly and they account
for 8pc of the HSE's €1.7bn drugs spend. This amounts to one euro in
every €12 spent on all drugs.'
'The Irish Medicines Board
has received 59 reports of suspected adverse reactions to statins since
the start of 2012. Side effects include a potential increased risk of
diabetes, eye cataracts and male impotence.'
'Women who are
past the menopause and who are on statins were found to have a higher
chance of developing diabetes and this was associated with taking the
drug.'
'The Irish Heart Foundation said the mainstay of
preventing heart disease involved lifestyle changes, including not
smoking, being active, having a healthy weight and getting regular
checks for blood pressure and cholesterol.'
- Eilish O'Regan Health Correspondent
Irish Independent
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