All Policies Include Coronavirus Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
31 August 2017 08:22
Almost all men over 60 and women over 75 are eligible for statins
A common genetic variant could be the reason some people suffer from aches and pains when taking statins, according to new research.
The study could lead to a screening method to help identify those patients who are most likely to have a bad reaction to the drugs.
Statin intolerance doubles
Millions of Britons take statins every year to lower cholesterol and reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, between 7% and 29% of users suffer from sore muscle symptoms, which can in some cases stop them using the pills.
Research undertaken at the University of Dundee found that statin intolerance was doubled when patients carried two identical copies of a common variant of the LILRB5 gene, which has an immune system and muscle repair role.
The team also confirmed that some people are genetically more likely to suffer from aching muscles regardless of whether they are taking statins.
Lead scientist Professor Colin Palmer said: "We found that there are people in the general population who carry a genetic factor that predisposes them to muscle aches. If these people are put on statins, they might discontinue their medication in the erroneous belief that it is the statin that is making their muscles ache."
Sub-group of patients
He added that the researchers also identified a genetic sub-group of patients who are susceptible to statin-specific muscle ache, however, at this stage the reason for this is not understood.
Professor Palmer suggested that in the future prospective statin users could be tested for key genetic variants, including LILRB5.
Almost 12,000 statin users took part in the Genetics of Diabetes Audit and Research Tayside Scotland (GoDARTS) study. The findings will appear in the European Heart Journal.
People with long-term, pre-existing conditions can arrange medical travel insurance should they need to travel.
28 February 2020
From tulip-filled trips to rose-tinged rests, these destinations are the perfect way to see in the new season.
[more...]
04 January 2021
Join us on a journey to Ancient Greece to discover more about history's most revered statue.
Head north for a light show like no other. Discover how you can see the Northern Lights for yourself.
Discover more about the magnificent waterfall perched on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
10 December 2020
Don't sleep on the world's most impressive dormant volcano.
A destination that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
19 November 2020
Take a tour of one of South America's most captivating natural landscapes.
Discover the hidden depths of the world's most recognisable desert gorge.
It's the question on everyone's mind right now - unfortunately, there's still no easy answer...
Discover why planes are more hygienic than you might think.
Dive into Queensland's colourful coral.
02 November 2020
With the global travel industry slowly getting back on its feet, it's a great time for holiday bargain hunters. Here are our top tips for 2021.