WellMan Clinic Putting
Men's Health First
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Over The Counter Zocor Heart-Pro In Britain simvastatin 10 mg has been available over the counter without prescription as Zocor Heart-Pro since the middle of 2004. Simvastatin is one of a group of drugs known as statins that reduces cholesterol levels, specifically low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the harmful cholesterol, while maintaining, or even slightly elevating, the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol. It is meant to be used by people who are at "moderate risk" of coronary heart disease, and decisions as to an individual's suitability for treatment may be assisted by the pharmacist. "Moderate risk" is defined as a 10 to 15 per cent chance of developing severe cardiovascular disease in the next ten years. Men aged 55 years and over fall into this category, as do men aged 45 to 55 years and women aged 55 years and over, who have one or more of the following risk factors:
2. Currently a smoker or has been in the last five years. 3. Overweight (body mass index > 25kg/m² or waist measurement > 40 inches in men or > 35 inches in women) 4. South Asian ethnic origin. The rationale of making Zocor Heart-Pro available without prescription is based on many studies which have shown that reducing LDL cholesterol levels reduces significantly cardiovascular risk. Clearly the government may save a considerable amount of money if people choose to buy the drug over the counter, both in prescribing costs, and possibly in reducing medical care costs and sickness benefit. However, we believe that, if we allow people to believe that by taking simvastatin they will conclusively prevent cardiovascular disease, we will have missed a great opportunity to take on the western world's biggest killer, namely cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is multi-factorial; smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension all play a part in its development. All are amenable to manipulation by lifestyle changes and medication. Safe cholesterol reduction with statin drugs can only be achieved by monitoring blood levels and screening for potential side effects. We strongly believe that people should visit their doctors to obtain a thorough assessment of all their cardiovascular risk factors, after which they may receive appropriate lifestyle advice, and, if necessary, treatment for any previously undiscovered diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, which are all too common. |
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