Using Big Data to detect side effects of statins, for better informed prescribing

Cholesterol Treatment Trialists' (CTT) Collaboration: Meta-analyses of individual participant adverse event data from randomized controlled trials of statin therapy

Statins are medicines that lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. These benefits have been proven in many clinical trials, including the BHF-funded Heart Protection Study. However, there is public concern that statins have more side effects than previously thought. Many GPs are reluctant to prescribing statins and many people at risk of heart attacks and strokes have endangered their health by stopping their statin medication because of these fears. Dr Christina Reith and her team will re-analyse the data from clinical trials, a process called meta-analysis, in the hope to give a clearer picture of the side effects. The combination of data from several clinical trials created a massive and extremely powerful set of data, capable of identifying trends that might otherwise slip past statistical analysis. Doctors who worked on these meta-analyses have agreed to create an even bigger dataset and to include more information on other health conditions reported by people who took part in statin trials. This unique database will reveal whether statins have unpleasant side effects that were not previously acknowledged. It will also allow researchers to pinpoint whether any particular groups of people are more prone to side effects. This will help GPs and patients to weigh up the risks and benefits of statins for each individual, in a more informed way.