Articles tagged with Statins
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.
Researchers analyzed data from over 50 million people and found that prior statin use was associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The association was more noticeable in people taking lipophilic statins, and was most robust for those using the medication for less than two-and-a-half years.
A study published in Journal of Palliative Medicine suggests that patients with life-limiting illnesses may not feel abandoned if their doctor wants to discontinue statin medications. Most patients reported benefits from stopping statins, including improved quality of life and reduced medication costs.
Researchers found that statin users had improved left ventricular mass and volume, and reduced thickened heart muscle and large heart chambers. This suggests that statins may lower the risk of future heart attacks, heart failure, or stroke by reversing negative changes in the heart.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed data from a clinical trial and found no benefit of statins for all-cause mortality or coronary heart disease events when started for primary prevention in older adults. The authors concluded that treatment recommendations should be individualized for this population.
A Taiwanese study found that statin use was linked to a decreased risk of decompensation in cirrhotic patients with HBV- or HCV-related cirrhosis. Statin use showed a favorable outcome and may benefit patients with other causes of cirrhosis as well.
A new study in The Lancet found that muscle-related symptoms are less commonly reported when patients and doctors are unaware of statin therapy. However, when patients know they're taking a statin, they were more likely to report symptoms, suggesting the nocebo effect may be at play.
A study of 1350 cirrhotic patients found that statin use reduced the risk of liver decompensation in a dose-dependent manner. Statins may provide benefits to patients with HBV- or HCV-related cirrhosis, improving survival rates.
A substantial proportion of patients prescribed high-intensity statins following a heart attack do not continue taking the medication. High-intensity statin adherence decreases over time, especially among African American and Hispanic patients and those without Medicare/Medicaid coverage or cardiologist visits.
A study published in JAMA finds that adhering to the 2016 USPSTF recommendations for statin therapy could lead to a lower number of individuals recommended for primary prevention statin therapy. This is due to a higher estimated ASCVD risk threshold and required presence of at least one cardiovascular risk factor.
A study of an online stroke forum found that three in 10 stroke survivors will experience further strokes, highlighting the importance of secondary prevention medications. Despite this, patients often disregard general practitioners' advice on these medications, with some stopping treatment completely due to side effects.
Researchers found that cardiac glycosides, a class of heart failure drugs, can reduce LDL cholesterol levels in patients who don't respond to statins. The study used liver-like cells generated from patient stem cells and showed significant reductions in ApoB levels, indicating potential for a new treatment option.
New research reveals a significant gap in statin eligibility for African Americans under different guidelines, highlighting the need for personalized treatment. The study found that stricter USPSTF guidelines may miss some individuals with vascular calcification and low or moderate risk.
The EBBINGHAUS study, the largest and most rigorous study on the topic, found no significant cognitive effects from adding evolocumab to statin therapy. The study enrolled 1,974 patients and used validated neurocognitive tests to assess executive function, working memory, and reaction time.
A study found that approximately 1 in 4 African American individuals recommended for statin therapy under ACC/AHA guidelines are no longer eligible under USPSTF guidelines. This disparity highlights the need to personalize statin recommendation, leveraging targeted imaging measures.
A new class of cholesterol-lowering medication has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by nearly 60% in patients taking statins, resulting in a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. The study found that this potent drug could provide added benefit for those already on optimal doses of statins.
Researchers found that inclisiran significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels by up to 51% just one month after treatment. The study also showed sustained lowering of cholesterol levels for at least eight months with no extra side effects.
In the FOURIER trial, evolocumab reduced LDL cholesterol by 59 percent and major cardiovascular events by 15 percent. The therapy showed greater benefit over time, with a 25% reduction in risk after one year.
The FOURIER trial shows evolocumab reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, by 15% compared to placebo. The treatment also lowers LDL cholesterol levels, translating to healthier arteries over time.
A University of Queensland study found that older Australian women taking cholesterol-lowering statins face a significantly increased risk of developing diabetes. The risk was highest for those taking higher doses of statins, with a 50% increase in the likelihood of new-onset diabetes.
Patients with high cholesterol levels face increased risk of rotator cuff surgery failure. Statin use prior to surgery reduces this risk, according to a new study. The study found no impact on outcomes from patient triglyceride levels.
A recent study published in Medical Care found that nurse practitioners and physician assistants deliver care comparable to physicians in community health centers. The research has implications for healthcare systems, particularly in underserved areas where non-physician clinicians are increasingly relied upon for primary care.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that cholesterol-lowering statins have no benefits for patients with small cell lung cancer. The largest randomized trial of its kind showed no improvement in treatment outcomes, contradicting previous claims about statin's potential role in preventing cancer development.
A new study has found that men with higher cognitive ability are more likely to take statins prescribed after a heart attack, reducing the risk of another heart attack or premature death. The study used data from over 2,500 patients and found an association between low general cognitive ability and non-compliance with medication.
Researchers found that statin specific side effects were the main reason patients failed to meet LDL cholesterol targets. Patients prescribed low-intensity statins were more likely to miss the target than those on high-intensity statins.
Researchers found statins reduce venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk by 15-25%, providing evidence for its potential protective effect. A comprehensive review of 36 studies involving over 3.2 million people supported this finding.
A new study found that dietary supplements containing red yeast rice may carry both benefits and risks associated with statins. The beneficial effects of RYR are attributed to monacolins, which are chemically related to statins.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that only 32% of patients between 30-39 years old with high LDL-C levels were prescribed statins. For those aged 40-49, the rate was 47%, while for those over 50, it was 61%. This suggests a significant gap in treatment for younger adults with severe dyslipidemia.
A review of the NHS Health Check programme found a significant increase in diagnoses of diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease among attendees. The study suggests that the programme has prevented an estimated 4,600 to 8,400 heart attacks and strokes in England.
A study analyzing Medicare data found a link between statin use and reduced Alzheimer's disease risk. The association varied by statin type and race/ethnicity, highlighting the need for further clinical trials to confirm these findings.
A USC study found that men and women taking statins for two years or more had a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. High users of statins, particularly Hispanic men, saw significant drops in incidence rates.
Using statins like lovastatin and simvastatin may increase the risk of bleeding when combined with dabigatran etexilate, a stroke prevention medication. Researchers found an increased risk of bleeding requiring hospital admission or emergency department visits with these statin combinations.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that combining dabigatran with two commonly prescribed statins, lovastatin and simvastatin, increases the risk of bleeding. The risk is higher than other statins, suggesting a clinically important drug interaction.
Using statin drugs provided wide-ranging prevention benefits, reducing risk of death, heart attacks, and strokes. Statins were effective in people at highest risk for heart attacks and strokes, as well as those at lower risk, with no significant harmful effects found.
US adults' statin use increased by 80% between 2002 and 2013, but remained low in high-risk groups. Generic statins became the dominant form of treatment, reducing costs.
The USPSTF recommends initiating low- to moderate-dose statins in adults ages 40 to 75 with high CVD risk factors and a 10-year event risk of 10% or greater. Statin use is also recommended for those with risk factors between 7.5-10%. However, the current evidence is insufficient to assess benefits in older adults (76+ years).
Researchers found that patients with high cholesterol who take statins have a 20% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. However, those in the fit and highly fit categories had significantly lower diabetes risk, with reductions of 22% and 42%, respectively.
Researchers found that statin initiation was associated with a 33% reduction in all-cause mortality among AS and PsA patients. The study suggests that statins' dual benefits of lowering lipids and reducing inflammation may be the reason for this significant benefit.
A study found that prior statin use was associated with higher survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Patients with Type 2 diabetes showed the most significant improvement in survival rate. Statins were linked to increased survival to hospital discharge and beyond a year after the event.
A study of over 500,000 patients found that high-intensity statin therapy significantly lowers risk of death from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The study suggests optimizing intensity of statin therapy for improved secondary prevention.
A large national study confirms high-intensity statins increase survival rates for people with cardiovascular disease, including those over 75. The study found a 9% increased chance of survival for patients on high-intensity statins compared to moderate-intensity treatments.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has published new guidelines for managing dyslipidemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend shared decision-making between physician and patient, with a focus on patient involvement in lipid target setting.
A study analyzing the American College of Cardiology's PINNACLE registry reveals that nearly 2 out of 5 people with diabetes are not prescribed statin therapy to lower their risk of heart attack, stroke, and related death. The study found a wide variation in statin use across cardiology practices.
The Lancet review highlights the importance of statin therapy in preventing cardiovascular disease. Lowering cholesterol by 2 mmol/L with a low-cost statin can prevent major cardiovascular events in patients with pre-existing vascular disease or those at increased risk.
Patients with high levels of cholesterol absorption derive significant benefit from intensive treatment, while those without show no improvement. A new direction for personalized cholesterol treatment strategies is suggested.
The new guidelines recommend individual LDL cholesterol targets based on risk, aiming for at least 50% reduction. Lifestyle and nutrition are emphasized, with goals for body mass index and food preferences.
A new study found that all babies of mothers treated with a specific type of statin survived compared to the standard treatment group, while maternal health also improved. The statin treatment lowered blood pressure and prevented premature birth in women with antiphospholipid syndrome.
A new study found that intense media coverage of the statins controversy led to a rise in patients stopping the treatment, with an 11% and 12% increase in existing users quitting statins for primary and secondary prevention. The study suggests that widespread reporting of debates can have a significant impact on patient behavior.
A recent study found that a period of controversy over statin risks and benefits led to a temporary increase in people stopping their statin treatment in the UK. The study, published in The BMJ, suggests that widespread media coverage may have impacted healthcare-related behavior.
Long-term statin therapy reduces cardiovascular events in patients with ischemic heart disease who have moderate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but not those with high LDL-C levels. The study suggests that a blanket principle of lower LDL-C being better for all patients may not apply.
Researchers found that statins reduced the risk of infections in stroke patients by 58%, particularly when administered early. The study controlled for various factors, including severity of strokes and age, and suggested that anti-inflammatory properties may play a role.
Researchers suggest statins could shield unborn babies from maternal stress, promoting normal heart development and growth. Studies in mice found that treating mothers with statins stimulates blood vessel growth, reducing the risk of health problems later life.
A new study suggests that statins, commonly used to lower cholesterol, can reduce the burden of infection in Lyme disease reservoir hosts, potentially leading to a decrease in human cases. Researchers hope to modify statins to primarily affect the survival of Lyme disease bacteria.
Researchers found that PAD patients taking high-dose statins had a 33% lower risk of amputation and 29% lower risk of death compared to those taking no statins. Low-to-moderate dose statin users also showed significant reductions in these risks, with benefits evident across different statin doses.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital identifies four factors contributing to sex disparities in statin therapy among patients with coronary artery disease. Women were less likely to start or continue statin therapy due to lower cardiologist evaluations and higher rates of adverse reaction reports.
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that nearly half of coronary artery bypass patients are not taking statins and aspirin together, increasing risk of vein graft occlusion. This suggests a lack of coordination between healthcare providers and patients in adhering to long-term prevention measures.
A large case-control study suggests that high cholesterol levels, rather than statin use, may influence the risk of colorectal cancer. The study found an inverse relationship between blood cholesterol levels and colorectal cancer risk, with higher cholesterol levels associated with lower risk.
A large case-control study found that statin use is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, but the difference in risk between statin users and non-users was not significant. Increased serum cholesterol levels were also independently linked to decreased risk of colorectal cancer.
A review of clinical evidence concludes that individualized preventive cardiovascular therapy is crucial for older adults, with cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-controlling treatments being the most effective. The target systolic blood pressure should be individualized based on frailty and comorbidities.
A new study by the Cleveland Clinic has identified statin intolerance objectively, showing that evolocumab is a more effective option for lowering cholesterol in patients who are intolerant to multiple statins. The PCSK9 inhibitor reduced cholesterol levels by 52.8%, while ezetimibe had a smaller reduction of 16.7%.