Statins are credited with a dramatic drop in the number of strokes affecting people in the UK.
That number has dropped by 40% in just 16 years. In 1995 the rate was 247 per 100,000 but it is now down to 150, according to researchers at King’s College London.
Six million Britons are believed to take statins to lower their blood pressure and a further eight million use them to reduce cholesterol. Statins are now the most widely prescribed drugs in the UK.
The drugs themselves are believed to have been improved over time and more is understood about how they work effectively in combination.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are two major causes of stroke. People with these conditions are also advised to revamp their lifestyles by cutting down on salt and alcohol, eating more fruit and vegetables, and getting more exercise.
A recent study found that, thanks to cars, computers and televisions, many people spend as much as 12 hours sitting down before adding in lying down for sleep. Technology has converted us into the most sedentary humans in history.
Prolonged sitting can lead to heart disease. It has been linked to problems with blood glucose control, and also a sharp reduction in the activity of an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase, which breaks down blood fats and makes them available as a fuel to the muscles. This reduction in enzyme activity leads to raised levels of triglycerides and fats in the blood, increasing the risk of heart disease.
