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- Page navigation anchor for Patient beliefs and attitudes to taking statins: systematic review of qualitative studiesPatient beliefs and attitudes to taking statins: systematic review of qualitative studiesJu et al’s systematic review highlights reasons why some patients choose and others refuse to take statins. One interesting point that arose from this study is that some patients thought statins were more effective than alternatives such as exercise and dietary changes. This raises an interesting question as to the influence of taking statins on health behaviours: is statin use associated with increasing or decreasing positive health behaviours.There is not a large literature but three studies have shown that the use of a statin is not associated improved diet or increased exercise.1-3 Therefore, the health benefits of using statins may be not be fully realised. The concern is that, although the benefits of statin on lipid profiles will remain constant, the persistence of an unhealthy lifestyle will contribute to an increased likelihood of obesity with its attendant other consequences. Therefore, the long-term benefits of statin use may be constrained by the belief that “taking a pill” will fix everything.By contrast, research has shown that healthier lifestyle enhances the health benefits of the cholesterol lowering effect of statin medication.4 Renaud et al5 have shown that, in statin users, following a Mediterranean diet resulted in a 70% reduction in the incidence of death and non-fatal myocardial infraction. This benefit was independen...Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.