FIFTEEN million more people should take statins as side effect fears are overblown, say top heart doctors.
A review found the cholesterol-busters caused only six out of a suspected 68 unwanted reactions.
The pills cost as little as 2p per day and are so effective they can halve the chances of a heart attack or stroke in high-risk patients.
But many people avoid the life-saving drugs because they are afraid of ill effects.
The British Heart Foundation said another 15 million could benefit from taking them, on top of the eight million who already do.
Data from 155,000 patients in 23 studies linked statin treatment to a one per cent higher risk of muscle pains.
There is also the potential for high blood sugar, swollen legs or minor blood or urine abnormalities.
But dozens of other worries were unfounded, Oxford University researchers said.
Prof Christina Reith said: “We were able to show there’s no increase in memory loss, depression or sleep disturbance.
“There is also no increase in erectile dysfunction, weight gain, nausea, fatigue or headache and numerous other conditions.”
