Should Children Take Statins?

Should Children Take Statins?

Millions of Americans use statins to lower their cholesterol, but now the American Academy of Pediatrics has suggested that children as young as 8 should be put on the drugs if they’re at risk for heart disease. While some insist that this can promote long-term health, others warn of serious potential dangers. Can statins save your child’s life, or should kids stick to Flintstones vitamins?

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John Abramson MD

No Evidence That Statins Reduce Heart Disease or Improve Health

John Abramson MD

Author: Overdosed America

There is no evidence from clinical trials that lowering cholesterol levels with statins in children will improve their chances of avoiding heart disease or improving their overall health. This is more than a theoretical concern because--despite the claims made in the national cholesterol guidelines--there is not a single clinical trial that shows a benefit to lowering cholesterol with drugs in women or people over 65 who don't already have heart disease or diabetes.

Evidence

IcotextText
John Abramson MD and James M. Wright MD, PhD
Are Lipid-Lowering Guidelines evidence-based? The Lancet, 2007: 369:168-169
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  • Dr Jatinder Bhatia
    Dr. Jatinder Bhatia is a 1975 graduate of the Armed Forces Medical College of the University of Poona, India. He completed his pediatric residency, including a... More

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