Most GPs snub advice to prescribe more statins: Two thirds of doctors remain concerned about potential side-effects and 'medicalisation' of otherwise healthy people By Ben Wilkinson for the Daily Mail Despite growing evidence that statins are safe, some GPs remain worried about side-effects Two thirds of GPs are ignoring new advice to prescribe statins to more patients, according to a survey. Despite growing evidence the drugs are safe, some GPs remain concerned about potential side-effects and the "medicalisation" of otherwise healthy people. Statins are used to protect against heart attacks and strokes. Pulse magazine's survey of more than 560 GPs reveals that two thirds - 66 per cent - had not begun prescribing statins at the new 10 per cent risk threshold. In July, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) lowered the threshold for prevention from a 20 per cent chance of developing heart disease over the next ten years to a 10 per cent chance. The fresh advice meant a total of 17million people are eligible for the drugs. Despite growing evidence that statins pose no threat, critics have argued they can cause type 2 diabetes and severe muscle pain. Hackney GP May Cahill told Pulse: "I am not convinced they will do any good - the side-effects are horrific. Why give something to a patient that you would not take yourself nor recommend to a family member or a friend? Some of the GPs who had begun to prescribe statins to more patients said they supported the new guidelines. However, some said they did have concerns but did not want to go against the advice. Dominic Wood, a family doctor in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, said: "[We are] advised to by NICE - don't want to be left open for medico-legal negligence. Fear of complaints. Dr Andrew Green, chairman of the General Practitioners Committee's clinical and prescribing group, said it was important doctors did what they thought was best for their patients. Seeking treatment: Statins are used to protect against heart attacks and strokes. File picture A spokesman for NICE said: "The issue is at what level that becomes cost-effective and sensible practice. Our view is that that level is at a 10 per cent ten-year risk. We acknowledge that clinical guidelines are not mandatory but they are authoritative, based on the best available evidence and we expect the NHS [including GPs] to take them into account whenever patients are being advised on disease prevention or management. In July, a group of health experts claimed overwhelming evidence showed the benefits of statins outweigh the risk of side-effects. The group of leading cardiologists and epidemiologists dismissed fears about side- effects as misrepresentative and misleading. Professor George Davey Smith, clinical epidemiologist at Bristol University, said: "Trials have shown unequivocally that statins reduce coronary heart disease mortality and there are very low levels of severe side effects. We are not forcing these tablets down people's throats, we are giving people the evidence on which to make a decision.