Statin Study Supports Use of Cholesterol Drugs
November 19, 2001
In the wake of the Baycol recall, the safety of statins, a class of cholesterol reducing medications, has come under attack. Nevertheless, results from a recent study on heart disease and stroke have provided valuable answers concerning the positive effects of statins. The study, involving 20,536 patients over a period of five years, tested the drug simvastatin, sold under the brand name Zocor.
Doctors involved in the $32 million study revealed to the American Heart Association that Zocor reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke by one-third. Researchers warn, though, that only patients who show risk factors for heart disease and stroke should take Zocor and that healthy patients should avoid statins because of their high cost and inconvenience. Nevertheless, doctors say the health implications of the test are stunning and provide some reassurance regarding the benefits of statin therapy.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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