Statins could have preventative effects. These drugs, originally prescribed to treat cholesterol, would also have a preventive action against cardiovascular illnesses, according to the results of the HOPE-3 study (for Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation). The findings of this large clinical trial, conducted in 21 countries over five years, have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented this weekend at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) annual conference in Chicago. They demonstrate the effectiveness of statins in reducing the risk of stroke (Stroke) and D’infarction.
Up to 40% less cardiovascular risk
The HOPE-3 study aimed to evaluate three methods of preventive treatment in 12,705 men and women who do not suffer from vascular disease but who present at least one risk factor (smoking, overweightor family history). These three types of treatment were either based on antihypertensive drugs (antihypertensive drugs,hypertension), either on statins (the drug Crestor®) or on a combination of the two. The method that has shown the greatest success is that of combining the two antihypertensive drugs and statins, lowering the cardiovascular risk by 30% in all participants and up to 40% in those with high blood pressure. Statins used alone have reduced cardiovascular risk by 25%. Hypertensives alone have not made it possible to lower this risk.
Controversy around the prescription of statins
These results “support the use of statins as a safe and effective method to prevent cardiovascular events“in elderly patients at low risk, according to the authors of the study. Nevertheless, these findings fuel the controversy that already exists around the prescription of statins. These cholesterol-lowering drugs are indeed causing a great deal of inkling, in particular because of the serious side effects that they can generate.
>> To read also:
Cholesterol: controversy surrounding the use of statins as a preventive measure
Cholesterol: Academy of Medicine warns against stopping statins
Statins are said to be effective against AMD
Statins increase aggression in women
