Statin use 'must be judicious' - Former GP

Millions more people should be put on cholesterol-lowering statin drugs to protect them against heart attacks and strokes, according to draft guidelines for the NHS in England.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence says the scope for offering this treatment should be widened to save more lives.

But speaking to the BBC, retired GP and deputy chair of the British Medical Association Dr Kailash Chand voiced concerns that pharmaceutical companies had "hyped up the benefits" of statins.

"Statins should be used judiciously. Where they are needed. Not for healthy people," he added.