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Study shows who benefits most from statins

Research suggests statin therapy provides greatest benefit to patients with highest genetic risk of heart attack. Genetic analysis assesses heart attack risk independently of traditional factors, identifying those at higher baseline risk who reap greater benefits from therapy. The study's findings have implications for precision medici...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 3, 2015

Statins may not lower Parkinson's risk

A recent study suggests that statins may not protect against Parkinson's disease, despite previous reports of a potential link. The research found no evidence that statin use lowered the risk of PD, and may even increase it over time.

SourcePenn State·JournalMovement Disorders·DateFeb 19, 2015

Study finds most older adults qualify for statin therapy under new cholesterol guidelines

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines now recommend statin therapy for individuals with an elevated estimated risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. A study found that 97% of adults aged 66-75 qualify for statin therapy, with 100% of men in this age group being eligible.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 24, 2014

Guidelines say nearly all patients with chronic kidney disease should take statins

Two cholesterol management guidelines agree that nearly all patients with chronic kidney disease should receive statins, but 50% of those recommended are not taking them. The study found the Pooled Cohort risk equations to be accurate among people with CKD, indicating a valid tool for estimating heart disease risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 13, 2014

Report urges individualized, cholesterol-targeted approach to heart disease and stroke

The report emphasizes the need for a more individualized approach to treating cardiovascular disease, focusing on reducing cholesterol levels to specific targets based on a patient's unique health profile. This approach includes lifestyle changes, non-lipid risk factor management, and medication tailored to the patient's needs.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·DateSep 15, 2014

New statin guidelines an improvement, Yale study shows

A Yale University study found that new national guidelines can accurately prescribe statins to patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. The research shows the new guidelines produce a modest increase in patient treatment, with only 92% of those with heavy plaque being assigned to statin therapy under the new method.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 26, 2014

People who are obese or former smokers more likely to follow recommended statin therapy

A new study suggests that individuals who are overweight, obese, or former smokers are more likely to follow recommended statin therapy for high cholesterol. Nonadherence to prescribed medication can lead to a significant risk of cardiovascular events, with studies indicating that nonadherence rates as high as 46% have been observed.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 23, 2014

Common cholesterol drug greatly alters inflammatory response to common cold

Researchers discovered that statins can alter the inflammatory response to rhinovirus, a common cause of the cold, in individuals with asthma. This finding suggests that statins may help prevent or reduce asthma symptoms resulting from colds, and could lead to further research into novel asthma control strategies.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJun 2, 2014

Statins for kidney disease patients: Protection for the heart but no effects on kidneys

A recent study found that statin therapy lowers LDL cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke in patients with chronic kidney disease, but has no effect on kidney function or progression. The Study of Heart and Renal Protection (SHARP) included 6,245 patients who received a placebo or cholesterol-lowering treatment w...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 1, 2014

Lowering your cholesterol may improve your sex life

A new Rutgers study suggests that statin medication can not only lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke but also improve a man's erectile function. The researchers found that older men with poor cardiovascular health, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome often experience erectile dysfunction.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMar 31, 2014