More than two million heart patients face higher doses of statins or extra drugs to reduce cholesterol

More than two million heart patients could receive higher doses of statins or additional medicines to lower cholesterol levels.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has set new targets for up to 2.1 million people with cardiovascular disease who have had a heart attack or stroke.

It is estimated that up to 145,000 heart attacks, strokes and premature deaths could be prevented over the next decade if people's cholesterol levels are lowered.

The guideline recommends that statins continue to be used, with patients receiving the highest level they can tolerate.

But if statins alone don't do enough to lower cholesterol, doctors should consider offering medications known as PCSK9 inhibitors.

For the first time, the guideline sets the target of keeping LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels – often known as bad cholesterol – at 2.0 mmol per liter or less, or at a non-HDL cholesterol level of 2.6 mmol per liter or less. fewer. Here the HDL good cholesterol number is subtracted from the total cholesterol number.

Professor Jonathan Benger, Nice's Chief Medical Officer, said: 'Improving control of cholesterol in a greater number of people will further reduce the number of deaths from heart attacks and strokes.'

The British Heart Foundation welcomed the proposals and urged them to be implemented as quickly as possible.

Dr. Shahed Ahmad, NHS national clinical director for cardiovascular disease prevention, said: 'The introduction of target cholesterol levels… will provide welcome clarity for both NHS clinical teams and their patients.'