Key points from article :
A study from the University of Oxford has found that taking a statin a day could prevent about 9,500 deaths from cardiovascular disease in adults over 50, while the popular saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” may also hold some truth—daily apple consumption could prevent or delay around 8,500 deaths. Researchers from the British Heart Foundation Health Promotion Research Group used mathematical modelling to compare the two approaches, concluding that statins had a slightly greater life-saving potential.
Statins are medications that lower levels of LDL or "bad" cholesterol in the blood, helping prevent the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks or strokes. They are often prescribed to people who are healthy but at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study reinforces the role of statins as a vital preventive tool in modern medicine.
While fruit, including apples, remains important for a healthy diet, experts stress that it should not be seen as a substitute for clinically prescribed medication. Maureen Talbot, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, emphasized that statins are among the safest and most effective drugs available for heart health. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, suggests that a combination of healthy diet and appropriate medication offers the best protection against heart disease.
