Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8985

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Sheldon T.
Television show questions statins to boost ratings, Dutch doctors claim
BMJ 2007 Mar 24; 334:(7594):604
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/334/7594/604-b

Abstract:

Dutch doctors are calling for restrictions on television programmes that they claim deliberately use matters of patient safety to boost viewing figures. This follows angry reactions from medical bodies to a consumer affairs programme that questioned whether high concentrations of cholesterol in blood increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The programme, Radar, broadcast by television company Televisie Radio Omroep Stichting, also raised doubts about the safety of prescribing statins to combat high cholesterol.

Doctors fear that some of the one million Dutch patients who are taking statins may stop without consulting their doctor and, therefore, risk future heart attacks.

In a complaint to the Healthcare Inspectorate, the Dutch Cardiology Society says that the programme’s assertions have caused great unrest among patients. Its chairman, cardiologist Wybren Jaarsma, writes that in the past week many colleagues have faced questions from patients over whether they should continue care that has been scientifically . . .