WIREDGOV

Healthcare professionals should offer statins to millions of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This will help to manage their increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), says NICE.

The new NICE standard lists Atorvastatin as the preferred statin to offer patients because it is both clinically and cost effective.

Research has shown there is a clear link between reduced kidney function and CVD.

Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition where the kidneys no longer work as well as they used to. It is associated with ageing.

Around 2.6 million people in England have CKD and approximately 60,000 people die prematurely each year because of the disease.

Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive at NICE, said: “We know that a high number of people with long-term kidney problems will develop cardiovascular disease. This means they have an increased risk of suffering a fatal heart attack or stroke.

“It is important for healthcare professionals to speak to patients about their treatment options. The effectiveness of statins is now well proven, as is their long term safety. They may appeal to a lot of people who are at risk.”