Cholesterol-busting statins could 'prevent pneumonia' as well as heart attacks and strokes
By Jenny Hope Taking cholesterol-busting statins cuts the risk of dying from infection and respiratory illness such as pneumonia, say researchers. The drugs are prescribed to prevent heart attacks and strokes, but they could provide protection against other potentially fatal disorders. Researchers at Imperial College London found a cut in the death rate for statin users after 10 years which was not attributable just to heart disease. Cutting the risk: New research says statins have been found to reduce the chance of dying from infection and respiration illness A new analysis of data involving British patients found the overall death rate was 14 per cent lower, due largely to fewer deaths from infection and respiratory illness. Experts believe the anti-inflammatory effect of statins could be responsible. The latest findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Paris and simultaneously published in the European Heart Journal. Unexpected result: Professor Peter Sever said it was quite remarkable that there was still a difference between the two groups eight years on Around one million prescriptions statins are written each week – around 52 million in England alone - and they have become a mainstay for doctors treating heart attack and stroke survivors. Experts looked again at the long-term results for more than 10,000 patients with high blood pressure who were randomly allocated either atorvastatin or a placebo between 1998 and 2000. In 2003, the trial was stopped early because the statin proved to be effective in preventing heart attacks and strokes. Since then, most patients from both groups have been taking the drug. The new analysis looked at the number and cause of deaths among the 4,605 patients based in the UK. After 11 years’ follow-up, overall mortality was 14 per cent lower in the group originally taking the statin, due largely to fewer deaths from infection and respiratory illness. Professor Peter Sever, from the International Centre for Circulatory Health at Imperial College London, who led the study, said ‘This result is very unexpected. ‘The benefits of statins for preventing heart attacks and strokes are well-established, but after long-term follow-up the most significant effects seem to be on deaths from other causes. ‘It’s quite remarkable that there is still this difference between the two groups, eight years after the trial finished. ‘Some studies have suggested that statins protect people against death from infectious diseases such as pneumonia. More research is needed to explain how these drugs might have unforeseen actions that prevent deaths from other illnesses.’ Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2031182/Cholesterol-busting-statins-prevent-pneumonia-heart-attacks-strokes.html#ixzz1WPLJWPeG
