Most of the debilitating effects of statins are not caused by the drug, but by people believing it will make them sick, a UK study suggests. The phenomenon is known as the “nocebo effect” and may account for 90% of the ill health associated with the cholesterol-lowering drugs. The British Heart Foundation said the results were undeniable. The Imperial College London researchers hope the findings will help more people stay on statins.

The drugs are one of the most prescribed in the UK. Nearly eight million people taken them to lower their cholesterol and in turn reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke. However, up to a fifth of people stop taking them due to side-effects such as muscle aches, fatigue, feeling sick and joint pain.(BBC)…[+]