Articles tagged with Statins
Patients with abnormal liver function who receive statin treatment show improved liver function and reduced risk of cardiovascular events. Long-term statin treatment is a safe and promising strategy for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego discover that statins activate white blood cells' ability to kill bacteria. Statins stimulate phagocytes to release extracellular traps that ensnare and kill bacteria before they spread in the body.
A new study found that ICD patients often do not receive optimal medical therapy, while a promising anti-arrhythmic agent and mobile phone-based telemonitoring system showed significant improvements in heart rhythm and blood pressure control. The study also revealed no increased risk of cancer associated with statin use.
A Johns Hopkins study of 950 healthy men and women found that nearly 95% of heart attacks, strokes, or heart-related deaths occurred in those with measurable artery-hardening calcium buildup; healthy individuals without calcification had minimal coronary protection. Statin therapy should only be considered for those at greatest risk.
A study analyzing data from the Women's Health Initiative found that statin use did not lower the risk of colorectal cancer among postmenopausal women. Researchers identified no association between statin use and reduced risk for colorectal cancer, tumor location, stage, grade or histology.
Researchers found that statins did not significantly reduce atherosclerosis in children with lupus, despite improving CRP and lipid levels. The study suggests that statins should not be routinely prescribed to kids with lupus, as the benefits do not outweigh the potential risks.
A study published in Health Affairs found that eliminating copayments for diabetes and vascular disease patients stabilized statin adherence rates, with a 2.8% increase in the Pitney Bowes group compared to a control group. Similarly, lower copayments for clopidogrel prescription led to an immediate stabilizing of adherence rates.
A new study found that statin use reduces the risk of developing epilepsy in people over 65 with cardiovascular disease. The study showed a 35% lower risk of hospitalization for epilepsy among those taking statins compared to non-users.
A systematic review of 22 studies with over 2.5 million participants found a statistically significant reduction in colorectal cancer risk among statin users. Long-term use of statins, particularly lipophilic types like atorvastatin, was associated with the strongest effect.
A massive international study found no association between a genetic marker and the risk of coronary artery disease. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 patients with cardiovascular disease and 40,000 others, concluding that carrying a particular variant of the KIF6 gene does not indicate a greater risk for the disease.
A new analysis by Stanford University School of Medicine found that using a popular test to identify patients who may benefit from statin therapy would be cost-effective, but only under certain scenarios. Assigning statin therapy based on risk alone was the most cost-effective strategy.
Researchers discovered a significant association between persistent statin use and reduced incidence of rheumatoid arthritis, compared to non-users. After adjusting for confounders, patients who used statins persistently had a lower risk ratio of developing rheumatoid arthritis, with no significant short-term effect.
Studies based on the JUPITER trial found that high-dose statin treatment significantly reduces myocardial infarction and stroke risk. In contrast, good cholesterol levels no longer predict cardiovascular risk in patients with very low bad cholesterol levels.
Long-term use of statin medication can impair serotonin receptor function, potentially leading to anxiety and depression. The study found that adding cholesterol restored normal receptor function.
Researchers found that statin use reduced prostate cancer recurrence by 30 percent, with higher doses associated with a greater risk reduction. Men taking higher doses of statins had a 43-50% lower risk of recurrence compared to those taking lower doses.
A meta-analysis of studies found that statin therapy does not reduce the risk of death in individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease but without a history of heart disease. The study suggests caution when extending statin use to lower-risk populations.
A pilot study found increased tendon ruptures in women taking statins, prompting a larger study to confirm the findings. The MSU team will analyze over 100,000 participants to assess the effects of statin dose, duration, and type on tendon rupture risk.
A study found that statin therapy can lower the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Statins are believed to decrease VTE risk by reducing inflammation.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that statin use post-operative reduces the need for revision surgery after total hip replacement. Statins have been associated with improved bone metabolism, anti-inflammatory effects, and prognosis after infections, which may improve THR outcomes.
Researchers discovered a genetic variant that affects cancer protection from statin drugs, enabling personalized use of the drug. The study suggests offering patients a test to determine if they have the right gene profile to benefit from current statins.
Research suggests statin use may increase risk of developing benign colorectal tumors. The analysis found no benefit in tumor growth among patients using statins compared to those who never used them.
A genetic test identifies a specific gene variant that affects how statins control both colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that statins have more benefit for reducing both colorectal cancer risk and cholesterol in the gene's long version.
A new study found that statins can reduce the incidence of new brain lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis by 55.3% compared to a placebo group. This could be meaningful for patients as new lesions are reliable correlates of future clinical attacks.
A small study shows eprotirome decreases LDL cholesterol as much as doubling statin dose without harmful side effects. The researchers found that eprotirome lowered blood lipids such as triglycerides and Lp(a), which are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
A study of corporate executives found that only 68% took their cholesterol-lowering medication as prescribed. Executives who took statins were twice as likely to meet their cholesterol goals and achieved better outcomes than those who didn't take the medication, even sporadically.
New research reveals statin therapy increases type 2 diabetes risk by 9% in trials, yet the absolute risk is low compared to coronary event reduction. The study found higher diabetes risk among older participants and no influence of LDL cholesterol levels.
A new study from Tel Aviv University has found that statins significantly reduce the risk of cataracts in men and women under 75. The study covered over 180,000 patients and showed a 38% lower risk for men aged 45-54 and an 18% lower risk for women of similar age.
A team of researchers has identified a potential mechanism by which the tobacco-specific carcinogen NNK promotes lung tumor formation. They also found that statins may protect against invasive pneumococcal infections in children with sickle cell disease. Additionally, a new oncogenic protein called Nlp was discovered to be expressed at...
Statins may protect individuals from serious illness following bacterial infection, including pneumococcal infections that threaten those with sickle cell disease. The cholesterol-lowering drugs employ methods to dampen inflammation and block bacterial toxins, prolonging the lives of mice with sickle cell disease.
Researchers identified statins as a potential new use for treating sickle cell disease in children, finding they reduced bacterial invasion and prevented cell death. The study suggests that prophylactic treatment with statins may reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal infections in these patients.
Researchers found that statin-treated donors significantly reduced the risk of severe acute GVHD in transplant patients. The study suggests that statins may protect against this life-threatening condition, which can lead to mortality if left untreated.
A recent study found that low-dose aspirin may offer mild protection from AMD, reducing the risk by 18% in women who took the medication. However, statins did not show a significant impact on advanced AMD risk, with patients taking statins actually at a slightly higher risk of developing advanced disease.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that extended-release niacin, a B vitamin, offers no extra benefits when combined with traditional cholesterol-lowering therapy in seniors already diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Blood cholesterol levels improved, but arteries did not show significant changes.
Researchers halted a key study on the benefits of combining extended-release niacin with statin medications to prevent blood vessel narrowing. The study showed that prescribed niacin worked better in combination with a statin than another double-cholesterol-lowering drug combo, reducing carotid arterial wall thickness.
A large observational study found that long-term statin use is associated with a decreased risk of developing gallstones requiring surgery. Patients taking statins for 1-4 prescriptions had a lower risk compared to non-users, with an increased risk reduction after 5 prescriptions.
A study found that statins can worsen symptoms in patients with diastolic heart failure, causing increased dyspnea, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance. However, statins still benefit patients with systolic heart failure. Researchers warn of individual patient variations in response to statin therapy.
New research reveals that statin therapy significantly reduces the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with atherosclerosis. Patients on higher doses of statins had the lowest likelihood of developing VTE, suggesting a dose-related response.
A recent study found that statins can have profoundly different effects on brain cells, including benefits in reducing cholesterol transporter expression but potential risks in increasing Alzheimer's disease-related proteins. The findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment approaches for individuals taking statin therapy.
Researchers found that statins can inhibit growth and development of cancer cells, as well as treat diabetes and neurological disorders like Parkinson's. The study used the nematode C. elegans as an ideal test subject, showing dramatic effects on enzyme activity.
A study found that adding ezetimibe to atorvastatin significantly boosts attainment of lipid targets in elderly patients, producing superior results than increasing the dose of atorvastatin alone. The combination improved LDL-cholesterol levels and reduced cholesterol absorption from the gut.
Researchers found that statins have a double impact on lipid levels, with the wealthy experiencing a greater decline in cholesterol levels compared to the poor. This has contributed to expanding social disparities in cardiovascular disease treatment.
Researchers found that a Mediterranean-style diet was more effective in managing type 2 diabetes than a low-fat diet, with patients on the Mediterranean diet requiring less medication and experiencing greater weight loss. Additionally, retail clinics were shown to provide quality care at lower costs compared to urgent care centers and ...
A new study published in CMAJ found significant muscle injury in patients taking statins, even in those without elevated creatine phosphokinase levels. Researchers suggest a subgroup of patients may be more susceptible to statin-associated myotoxicity and call for alternative treatment strategies.
Researchers developed a computer model to help medical doctors choose the optimal time to begin statin therapy in diabetes patients, reducing cardiovascular risk. The new model incorporates patient-specific data and accounts for the progression of diabetes and cost-benefit analysis.
A new study published in the British Medical Journal found that taking statin drugs does not lower the risk of pneumonia in elderly patients. In fact, the study suggests that people on statins may be at higher risk of developing severe pneumonia.
People taking cholesterol-lowering statins after a stroke are less likely to have another stroke and die within 10 years. Statin use reduces recurrent stroke risk by 35% and mortality risk by 57%. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of statins may contribute to this benefit.
Researchers at McGill University found that statin therapy can inhibit myelin repair in Multiple Sclerosis patients. The study suggests a negative impact of long-term statin therapy on remyelination and oligodendrocyte number.
Two studies published in Gastroenterology found that statin use is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with diabetes. Additionally, statins appear to reduce the risk of cholecystectomy, surgical removal of the gallbladder, in women.
A new study found that statins significantly lower PSA levels in men with prostate cancer, which may require adjusting the biopsy threshold for patients on statins. Statins have also been shown to lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in healthy men.
A large Mayo Clinic cohort study found that statin use is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, with non-statin users three times more likely to develop the condition. Statins may also protect against erectile dysfunction, particularly among older men, and prevent prostate enlargement.
Researchers found a 72% reduction in risk for tumor inflammation among men taking statins, which may contribute to lower advanced prostate cancer incidence. Statin use could potentially control or prevent prostate cancer through anti-inflammatory effects.
The study found that statin use is associated with a significant reduction in stroke risk, with each 1 mmol/L decrease in LDL cholesterol resulting in a relative risk reduction of 21%. Statins also have additional benefits for cardiovascular health, including lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation.
Researchers found that reducing high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels and LDL cholesterol significantly reduces vascular events. Achieving both targets resulted in the largest reduction in cardiovascular risk, highlighting the importance of addressing inflammation in statin therapy.
A study of over 1,000 CAD patients found that high PLTP levels increased the risk of heart attack in statin users. Elevated PLTP levels may blunt statin benefits, according to researchers.
Researchers estimate that around 6.5 million older adults with low cholesterol and high C-reactive protein levels might benefit from statin therapy to prevent cardiovascular events. Expanding prescribing criteria to include CRP levels could potentially prevent thousands of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths each year.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that statin use reduced stroke severity and improved outcomes, even in patients with ideal cholesterol levels. The study suggests benefits beyond lipid lowering, including plaque stabilization and anti-inflammatory effects.
A new UCSF study using the Coronary Heart Disease Policy Model found that adherence to 2001 NCEP guidelines would be cost-effective in preventing and managing coronary heart disease, saving 20,000 heart attacks and 10,000 CHD deaths annually. Statin costs become negligible when prices fall below 50 cents per pill.
Researchers found that high-frequency telephone counseling with a dietician resulted in the same amount of weight loss as face-to-face counseling for obese patients taking sibutramine. Wider use of statins could be a cost-effective strategy to prevent heart disease, but may require reevaluation if pill costs are lower.
Continuing statin therapy is associated with a reduced risk of death over four to five years, even among those without diagnosed heart disease. Patients who took statins for at least 90% of the follow-up period showed a 45% lower risk of death compared to those who did not adhere to treatment.
Scientists tested atorvastatin and lovastatin in animal models but found no efficacy in preventing breast cancer. In contrast, tamoxifen and bexarotene showed significant reduction in mammary tumors when combined with statins.