Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the country, with around seven to eight million people taking them to cut their chance of heart attack and stroke.

Research suggests that one in every 50 people who take statins for five years will avoid a serious event, such as a heart attack or stroke, due to the medicine.

Now, a new study published in the European Heart Journal (EHJ) has found that reported side-effects from taking the drugs may be over-estimated and over-diagnosed.

Previously, experts said up to half of people stop taking statins, cut the dose or take them irregularly due to issues with muscle pain and other side-effects such as digestive problems, issues with sleep and headaches.

The new research, which analysed studies on more than four million people, put the true level of statin intolerance at 9% or even lower.

They said the true level of intolerance is most likely to be between 6% and 10%.

Professor Maciej Banach, who led the study, said: "These results clearly show that patients needn't be afraid of statin therapy as it is very well tolerated in as much as 93%, which is similar or even better than other cardiology drugs, including ones for reducing blood pressure and clotting or blocking of blood vessels.

"The most important message to patients as a result of this study is that they should keep on taking statins according to the prescribed dose, and discuss any side-effects with their doctor, rather than discontinuing the medication."

Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.

LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" and is linked to cardiovascular disease, which can increase the chance of strokes and heart attacks, and death.