FIndings
The CTT Collaboration produces evidence on whether interventions work and for whom. These findings summarise results from large‑scale trials and collaborative analyses, highlighting established effects, differences between groups, and areas where further evidence is needed.
CTT Collaboration analyses have determined the effects of statin therapy on major vascular events and vascular mortality for trials of:
CTT Collaboration analyses have shown that statins are beneficial in a wide range of individuals, including:
- people with diabetes
- people at low risk of vascular disease
- women and men
- people of all ages, including those over the age of 75
- being clearly effective at reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD), but relative benefits may be smaller as CKD becomes advanced, with little evidence of benefit among those already on dialysis
In addition, CTT Collaboration analyses have shown that statins:
- have no impact on non-vascular mortality
- have no effect on the incidence of or mortality from cancer
- are not the cause of muscle pain in over 90% of those who experience symptoms
- can cause a small increase in blood sugar levels, meaning that people who take statins and are already at high risk of diabetes may develop the condition sooner
- do not cause the majority of side effects listed in package leaflets