Be careful - be VERY careful - about what you believe about drugs and surgery. Dr. Darshak Sanghavi is a pediatric cardiologist. He has written a clear paper about how drug companies use numbers and statistics to convince you and your doctor that their latest drug is THE best treatment for you. But, their claims depend on HOW they have manipulated the data to make their point.
Using a statin drug reportedly reduces a person's risk of heart problems from 7.5% to 5.3% over a five year period. That's a reduction of 2.2%. However, published materials about Pravachol (a statin) report a 31% reduction. How can they do that? The 31% represents a RELATIVE REDUCTION (from 7.5 to 5.3). Actually, out of every 50 people who take the drug for 5 years there will be one less heart event. However, that isn't as impressive as 31%
If you were selling a statin drug would you want to use 31% or 2.2%?
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