Number of patients needed to prescribe statins in primary cardiovascular prevention: mirage and reality

ConclusionsFive-year NNTs for statins to prevent a first CHD is almost three times higher in those at lower versus higher risk populations. Reporting combined results from RCTs including subjects at different cardiovascular risks should be avoided. Individualizing the risk of CHD should orient family physicians and their patients in their choice of preventive approaches and generate more realistic expectations about compliance and outcomes.
Source: Family Practice - Category: Primary Care Source Type: research