However Sir Nicholas said that instead of measuring the risk factors, the drug should be prescribed for everyone over 55 years of age and argued that lowering of cholesterol will benefit even those who do not have a risk of heart disease.
"This study shows that age screening for future cardiovascular disease is simpler than current assessments, with a similar screening performance and cost effectiveness. Is also avoids the need for blood tests and medical examinations. Prevention is better than measurement", he wrote in his study which has been published in the journal PLoS ONE.
Source: Medindia