Articles tagged with Statins
Research from the University of Illinois Chicago shows that pharmacies closing leads to decreased adherence to heart medications like statins and beta-blockers. People living in low-access neighborhoods or using independent pharmacies are most affected.
A large clinical trial found that statins reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in moderate-risk rheumatoid arthritis patients by 40%, but the difference was not statistically significant. Statins also lower LDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein levels, making them a safe treatment option for these patients.
Researchers found that half of patients prescribed statins failed to achieve 'healthy' cholesterol levels within two years, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Patients who did not respond well had a 22% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those who reached the target.
Despite national guidelines, many patients who benefit from statins do not take them due to a lack of physician guidance and fear of side effects. Research found that 59.2% of eligible patients never received an offer of statins, with women, black patients, and those without insurance being more likely to report this.
Researchers at UToledo discovered that statins can suppress a biological process disrupting cardiac function, potentially altering bodily functions controlled by G protein-coupled receptors. Statins also reduce the ability of migratory cells, such as cancer and immune cells, to travel.
A study found that bempedoic acid significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels in patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease who are already taking statins. The treatment was durable and had no increase in adverse effects compared to a placebo at one year, suggesting it may be a viable alternative for these patients.
A new study found that taking statins reduces the risk of a second major adverse cardiovascular event by almost 50% when patients adhere to their prescribed regimen. However, only about six percent of patients in an insured population follow their statin medication as directed.
A Danish study of over half a million people found that cholesterol-lowering statin medications lower the risk of brain haemorrhages by 22-35% compared to non-users. The study rebuffs suspicions that statins increase the risk of brain haemorrhages.
A new class of oral cholesterol-lowering drug bempedoic acid has shown effectiveness in reducing LDL cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. The treatment is well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, making it a potential option for patients unable to take statins.
Individuals taking statins may experience higher insulin levels and insulin resistance, leading to a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The analysis found a 38% increased risk among those who used statins for 15 years or more.
A new study by Loyola Medicine and colleagues reveals that only 21.8% of non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients use statins, despite being at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
A meta-analysis of 28 randomised controlled trials found that statin therapy reduces the risk of major vascular events in older people by about a fifth per 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol. The study showed no adverse effects of statin therapy on non-vascular mortality or cancer across all age groups.
A Lancet study found that statin therapy reduced the risk of a major vascular event by about a quarter for each millimole per litre reduction in LDL cholesterol, even in older people. Statins also did not increase the risk of deaths from non-cardiovascular disease or cancer at any age.
Researchers found that statins combined with a Mediterranean diet reduced cardiovascular mortality, particularly in those who had already experienced a heart attack or stroke. The study suggests that the Mediterranean diet may facilitate the beneficial effect of statins by reducing subclinical inflammation.
Research reveals that cholesterol-lowering statin drugs decrease the formation of brown adipose tissue in adults. Brown adipose tissue plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature and insulin sensitivity. The study found that people taking statins have significantly lower rates of brown adipose tissue compared to non-statins users.
A study by Imperial College London and University of Leicester found that patients taking high-intensity statins and adhering to treatment regimens can avoid 12,000 cardiovascular events. High adherence achieves better long-term cholesterol reductions and outcomes for patients.
A comprehensive statistical modeling study found that statins are recommended far too often, with the benefits outweighing the harms only in people with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers recommend discussing individual risk and side effects with doctors before taking statins as a preventive measure.
A modelling study suggests that statins may be significantly overprescribed for people with a 10-year cardiovascular disease risk between 7.5% and 10%. The study found that the benefits of statin therapy did not outweigh the harms until the 10-year CVD risk threshold was above 21% for men aged 70-75, highlighting the need to reassess g...
A recent study found that statin-induced musculoskeletal adverse events (MAEs) have distinct onset timings for different statins, with high-intensity statins triggering symptoms faster. The study also revealed that concomitant drug use does not alter the timing of MAEs associated with statins.
A study of Australian seniors reveals high rates of nonadherence and discontinuation with prescribed statins. Factors such as age, comorbidities, and type of prescribing doctor influence the likelihood of proper statin use.
Researchers found no clear evidence that statins benefit patients with non-Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) conditions, except for preventing deaths from kidney disease. Statins may also slow cancer progression, but further investigation is needed.
Research suggests statins may benefit people with certain non-heart diseases, such as kidney disease and cancer progression, but the evidence is inconclusive. The study found a modest link between statin use and diabetes, highlighting the importance of lifestyle advice for patients at risk.
A case report presents a patient with progressive drusen accumulation, which was halted by a resveratrol-based nutraceutical (Longevinex). The patient's vision improved after adopting the nutraceutical regimen, whereas statin drugs showed only modest success. A dietary approach to retinal health is proposed as primary consideration.
A recent study found that statins do not reduce cardiovascular disease or death in healthy individuals aged 75 and older. However, in people with type 2 diabetes aged 75-84 years, statins were associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease and death. The protective effect declined after age 85.
A new analysis of the LEADER trial suggests liraglutide treatment reduces the risk of death from heart attack and nonfatal stroke in people with Type 2 diabetes, regardless of their cholesterol levels. The study found that liraglutide also lowers LDL-C levels, an important marker of developing heart disease.
Researchers found that statins can improve conditions in people with autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, a rare syndrome affecting 1 in 150,000 people worldwide. The study also identified two new tests to help diagnose the condition and showed promise for oral statin therapy as a potential new approach.
A study by Penn Medicine researchers found that pairing an online patient dashboard with 'nudges' to doctors tripled statin prescribing rates, increasing from 2.6% to 8%. The nudges used active choice framing and peer comparison feedback to prompt physicians to make decisions on prescriptions.
African American patients are less likely to receive guideline-appropriate statin therapy compared to whites, with differences attributed to demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors. The study highlights the importance of addressing cardiovascular disease disparities to improve health outcomes.
A Vanderbilt-led research team discovered genetic variations that increase heart attack risk even when patients are on statin drugs. The study found seven genetic variations associated with increased heart events in patients receiving statins, suggesting new targets for reducing cardiovascular risk.
Researchers found statins increased ApoA-I levels in patients with Friedreich's ataxia, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk. The study suggests a possible treatment for the disease, which is associated with low HDL and apolipoprotein A-I levels.
A new study from the University of Iowa found that statins can save thousands of additional lives when used in people with higher levels of LDL cholesterol. The analysis of 34 previous studies involving over 270,000 participants showed that statins were more likely to reduce death risk at LDL levels of 100 mg/dl or greater.
A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that women in the US are less likely to receive high-intensity statins after a heart attack, despite guidelines recommending them. The study of over 88,000 adults suggests that adherence to these guidelines may be needed to prevent deaths from heart disease and stroke.
A recent study found that women are consistently less intensively treated with high-intensity statins after a heart attack, even when prescribed, and across various patient characteristics. This underutilization can lead to preventable vascular events, emphasizing the need for clinicians to communicate the benefits of these medications.
A Swedish study found that statins significantly reduce the risk of death, liver transplantation, and variceal bleeding in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. The study also showed a reduced risk of these outcomes in patients receiving azathioprine but not ursodeoxycholic acid.
A large trial found that statins significantly reduced major adverse cardiac events among patients undergoing PCI, but not in the broader population. Patients who received a loading dose of statin before PCI were 28% less likely to experience a major adverse cardiac event and 32% less likely to have a heart attack.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that cholesterol-lowering statins and blood-pressure lowering candesartan/HCTZ medications do not affect erectile function. The study, which evaluated over 2,000 men, showed no significant change in erectile function between treatment groups and placebo groups.
A Finnish study found that statin medication reduces risk of repeated surgery after vitrectomy for retinal detachment, likely due to reduced inflammation and scar tissue formation. Statins show promise in preventing scar tissue in eye health, but further research is needed.
A new study published in AIDS Patient Care and STDs found that HIV-infected women do not use statins as recommended by guidelines, which control blood lipid levels to prevent heart disease. This underuse may accelerate cardiovascular disease in HIV-positive individuals, underscoring the need for improved cardiac health monitoring.
HIV-infected patients have a lower rate of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs and aspirin therapy, while antihypertensive medication therapy shows less significant differences. The study calls for improving the quality of cardiovascular care for people with HIV.
A study of 62,070 hospitalized heart patients found that only 30.1% were on statins three years after discharge, highlighting a significant treatment gap. Reasons for non-adherence included cost, lack of follow-up screenings, and prior diagnosis before starting the medication.
Researchers found that statins prescribed at the time of discharge significantly reduce the risk of future heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular events. High-intensity statin doses showed greater benefits, particularly for younger patients, with a 21% reduction in risk.
A large observational study of nearly 49,000 Malaysian heart attack patients found a significant 10-year decline in blood cholesterol levels. This trend is opposite to the national average and suggests that statins may be responsible for the decrease in cholesterol levels among ACS patients.
Long-term statin use is associated with a 30% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in susceptible individuals, according to a large study. The findings held true regardless of the clinical criteria used to determine the need for treatment.
Researchers found that statin users have a 27% lower risk of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections outside hospitals, with increased dosage offering greater protection. The study suggests that statins may play an important role in preventing serious blood infections, particularly among elderly patients with chronic conditions.
A new UNC-Chapel Hill study found that beta blockers are not necessary after a heart attack if patients are already taking ACE inhibitors and statins. The study examined over 90,000 Medicare patients and found that those who took only ACE inhibitors and statins had a similar mortality rate to those taking all three drugs.
Researchers at Aarhus University have uncovered how PCSK9 breaks down LDL receptors, leading to higher LDL cholesterol and increased risk of blood clots. The new knowledge enables the development of more efficient and cheaper PCSK9-inhibiting medicine.
A new study found that most people newly recommended to take cholesterol-lowering medication under new American guidelines are from disadvantaged populations. These groups are less likely to have health insurance and receive recommended medications, highlighting access gaps in the healthcare system.
A new study found that statin use can lower the risk of premature death in patients with cirrhosis. Statins may also help alleviate the course of cirrhosis and decrease fibrosis rates.
Researchers found that statins reduced twenty year mortality rates by 18% and overall risk of death by coronary heart disease by 28%. The study suggests that even modest LDL reductions over time will translate into large mortality benefits for those with elevated cholesterol levels above 155mg/dL.
The REVEAL trial found that anacetrapib significantly reduces the incidence of major coronary events and improves HDL cholesterol levels, while also reducing LDL cholesterol by at least 20%
A Japanese study questioned the benefit of treat-to-target intensive statin therapy in patients with diabetic retinopathy, finding no significant reduction in cardiovascular events. However, subanalysis showed that reaching an LDL cholesterol target of less than 70 mg/dL significantly reduced primary endpoint incidence.
A common genetic variant in the LILRB5 gene is associated with an increased risk of muscle aches and statin intolerance. Researchers found that individuals carrying two copies of this variant have a higher risk of general statin intolerance and low-dose intolerance, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options.
A recent study found that the clinical benefit of LDL cholesterol lowering therapies depends on how it is lowered, with apoB particles playing a key role. The study used genetically randomized participants and found that reducing apoB levels had a greater impact on cardiovascular risk than reducing LDL cholesterol.
Researchers at Mount Sinai developed a clinical index to evaluate muscle-related symptoms associated with statin use. The team proposes re-challenging or switching statins, adopting healthy lifestyle changes, and exploring non-statin pharmacotherapies to optimize cholesterol treatment for patients experiencing adverse muscle symptoms.
A 14-year study found that statins reduce breast cancer risk by 45% and mortality risk by 40%. Women with high cholesterol had significantly lower breast cancer rates and improved survival rates compared to those without high cholesterol.
A recent study found that women at high risk of cardiovascular events are more likely to receive lower doses and less potent statin treatments, which can increase the risk of preventable events. According to the DYSIS study, women were 32% less likely to reach the recommended LDL cholesterol target compared to men.
Patients without coronary artery calcium had significantly lower risk of future heart attacks or strokes, even with diabetes, high blood pressure, or bad cholesterol levels. A CT scan may be worthwhile to discuss treatment options and add more information about the patient's 10-year risk.
A new study found that less than half of stroke patients in the US receive prescribed statin therapy to reduce recurrent stroke risk. Blacks were more likely than whites to receive statins outside of the Stroke Belt region.
Researchers found that stopping statin drugs after a first ischemic stroke increases the risk of having another stroke within a year and death. The study suggests that statins should be a lifelong therapy for ischemic stroke patients if needed to lower cholesterol levels.
The American College of Physicians states that internet-driven pseudoscience is a major contributor to low statin adherence rates, despite their well-documented benefits. Continuing statin prescriptions after adverse reactions may reduce cardiovascular events and death risk.