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    Statins provide long-term protection from heart attacks

    Posted on 12/10/2007

    Cholesterol-lowering statins reduce the rate of heart attacks by more than 25%, a University of Glasgow study has found.

    The 15-year study was conducted to assess the treatment benefits and the long-term safety of statin use. A total of 6,595 Scottish middle-aged men, who had high cholesterol levels but who had not previously suffered a heart attack, were used in the West of Scotland coronary prevention study (WOSCOPS).

    The results show that patients using the drugs over a five year period experienced 27% fewer non-fatal heart attacks and deaths caused by heart disease. The study's findings also suggest that this benefit continues for 10 years after patients finish taking the drugs.

    This ongoing benefit is 'remarkable', according to Professor Ian Ford, who led the study. 'The results of the follow-up provide strong support for the safety of five years of statin use,' he added.

    Lead cardiologist in the study, Professor Stuart Cobbe, said: 'These results are very reassuring for patients who might be concerned about safety when taking a drug for a very long period of time. There was no evidence of adverse health problems associated with taking a statin for five years.'



    Category: Health


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