August 30, 2005
Cholesterol-attacking drugs called statins are prescribed for people who want to avoid a heart attack. But research published in the American Journal of Cardiology suggests they may also help people who have already suffered a heart attack.
According to the study, receiving a statin within 24 hours of suffering a heart attack reduced the hospital mortality rate of such patients by half. The authors say the drugs also provide additional protections from heart attack complications, promoting recovery.
The study focused on information gathered about more than 170,000 people who were admitted to a hospital due to heart attack. It found that patients previously treated with statins who received another dose immediately following their heart attack had a 54% lower risk of dying while still in the hospital compared with heart attack patients not on statin therapy.
The study also concluded that early statin use was associated with a lower risk of cardiac arrest and other post-heart attack complications. Researchers say statins have proved effective by increasing the flow of chemicals within the cardiovascular system.
Among the more popular prescription statins are Lipitor, made by Pfizer, Zocar, produced by Merck, and Crestor, marketed by AstraZeneca. But these drugs are not without their detractors, who insist many of their cholesterol-lowering effects can be achieved through simple lifestyle changes.
Crestor has been especially controversial, having earlier this month revised its warning label to include new side effects. Some consumer groups have urged the Food and Drug Administration to recall the drug, arguing its not safe. Dangers of statin drugs reportedly include liver problems, muscle aches, weakness, immune system suppression, and a serious degenerative muscle tissue condition called rhabdomyolysis.
