Statins’ Heart Protecting Effects Last a Decade

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that cholesterol-lowering statin drugs can help protect the heart for nearly a decade after patients stop taking them. The medications can cut the risk of heart attacks for an extended period, researchers said.

Statins are presently the world’s largest selling medications. More than three million patients at risk of developing heart disease on account of having high levels of bad cholesterol are prescribed statins to help protect their heart. These medications work by reducing LDL – the bad cholesterol in the blood.

Statins are comparatively cheaper drugs and can cost as little as 60p per tablet; despite this they have won accolades from the medical fraternity and patients alike across the world. A recent study found them to have benefits for Alzheimer’s patients as well – these drugs reduce risk of developing Alzheimer’s by nearly 80%.

Now a new study has found that these medications have the ability to not just arrest but even reverse the development of heart disease. Between 1989 and 1991, scientists from the University of Glasgow recruited more than 65,000 men between 45 and 65 as part of the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study.

All men had high blood cholesterol levels but had not suffered a heart attack. They were split into two groups with one group being given statins while the other group was put on dummy pills. All men were followed up for a period of five years until May 1995. The statin users were kept under observation for a period of 10 years.

The researchers found that the men taking statins had a 25% lower risk of heart attack or death from heart disease compared to men in the placebo group. The statins were found to have positive heart benefits even 10 years after the men stopped taking the medication. Moreover, none of the men suffered any side effects from the medication.

Professor Stuart Cobbe, who was involved in the research said, “The benefit appeared to extend to at least 10 years after the original trial.” In his opinion, heart patients should be encouraged to take the drug over an extended period of time but even those who give it up would definitely continue to get benefits from it.

According to the researchers, the protective benefits of statins are most likely on account of stabilisation of the existing plaque in the blood which reduces the chances of developing coronary artery disease. While the study only looked at people who had stopped taking the drug, doctors today recommend heart patients to take statins for an indefinite period of time.

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