HealthCare News
TV Ads for Statins May Drive OvertreatmentFRIDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Television ads for cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may lead to overdiagnosis of high cholesterol and overtreatment with the drugs, according to a new study. The research found that patients' visits with doctors to ask about statins advertised on TV often lead to prescriptions for the drugs. The ads tell viewers about the health risks of high cholesterol and encourage them to seek medical advice, tests and appropriate treatment. The researchers wanted to assess the effect of this direct-to-consumer advertising. The study was published online March 7 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Read entire article... |