While widely used, statins may yield little benefit in primary prevention of heart disease.

Evidence is strong that statins benefit those with known cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, they are frequently prescribed for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in those without CVD but with a high risk for it. European investigators combined results for 65,000 high-risk only patients and found no significant improvement in risk.

PositiveTip: True primary prevention of heart disease should focus on the benefits of lifestyle modification, not a drug-based approach.