Statins in France: an experimental use on a large scale in a low prevalence of CHD and stroke

Ischemic heart disease, mortality rates, 2010 (or nearest year)

Clearly we are the country with the lowest prevalence of CHD and strokes in EOCD countries

http://www.puppem.com/Documents/Cnamts_Consommation_depenses_med_Europe_10-2007.pdf

High consumption high costs...
In front of such data some pro-statin advocates do not hesitate to justify this high consumption by the supposed results: a low prevalence of CHD and stroke.
It is a pity.
These trends did exist before statins and before Ancel Keys...


Trends in ischemic heart disease mortality rates, selected EU member states, 1995-2010

Those low rates of CHD and strokes combined with a high consumption of saturated fats gave credit to the french paradox theory.

But if you look at the recent data on atheroma you must take in account the low inflammatory state as the most potent motor of atheroma. 

It gives a new look to these facts. Is red wine and other french food anti-inflammatory?

Nevertheless taking statins for primary prevention with a low risk profile seems clearly a waste of resources for french people especially women.