Dear Patient…
…We have reviewed your record and would like to offer you medication to reduce the risk of you having a heart attack or stroke in the future.
Please click here to view the British Heart Foundation leaflet on statins
Alternatively, you can try a medication called Ezetimibe.
Ezetimibe
Ezetimibe is a tablet that lowers cholesterol. It may be prescribed if statins cannot be taken, or alongside a statin for extra cholesterol-lowering. It is a ‘cholesterol absorption inhibitor’ that limits the absorption of cholesterol on the small intestine. As a result, less cholesterol is taken to the liver, which therefore increases its efforts to take more cholesterol out of the blood.
Ezetimibe is not as effective as most statins but will reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes when taken alongside a statin, but we have little evidence it can do this if used on its own.
Side effects can include stomach pains, diarrhoea, flatulence and tiredness. It is not recommended for people with significant liver disease or women who are pregnant or breast feeding.
However…
…If you would prefer not to receive medication, we ask that you let us know and we will take you off our list of people to contact.
Yours sincerely
Dr James Read