[moon]

There is absolutely no benefit to statins (cholesterol-lowering medication) for women. None.

Except for women who have a history of heart attack or stroke. And this bites because several of my closest women friends fall into one of those categories.

 

[moon]

There is absolute evidence that statins not only prevent secondary cardiac events for men, but reduce overall mortality in those with pre-existing cardiac history. Not so for women.

I'm aware that most studies use men, and the medical community has been slow to acknowledge that our bodies are indeed different. Years ago I read a case where they were using men for some ovarian study. Maybe I made this up, but it's a strong memory. This doesn't mean we're never alike, however.

But as I read this, there are no studies showing statins useful for women with prior cardiac events, but there have been no adequate studies period.

Now, if like my friend I'd've had a quintuple bypass, I'd have to ask myself, 'how lucky do I feel?' I see that as a different kettle of fish entirely. Not having had a heart attack, bypass, stents - but with wretched lipids - it's easy for me to reject statins which I have.

The answer is to do appropriate studies for women - like now now.