A recent study from the University of Hong Kong discovered that statins can be effective in lowering all-cause and cardiovascular deaths in older adults. These medications work by controlling the production of “bad” cholesterol, reducing overall cholesterol levels in the body. Cholesterol is associated with atherosclerosis, which is a primary risk factor for heart disease. Statins specifically target LDL cholesterol, which can lead to the build-up of plaques in blood vessels, impairing healthy blood flow and increasing the likelihood of heart disease. Ongoing research is exploring the potential use of statins for treating and preventing other heart disease-related conditions.
The study conducted by researchers at the University of Hong Kong focused on how statins could impact death risk related to heart disease among older individuals aged 60 and above. The findings of the study revealed a decrease in mortality among this demographic, which includes individuals over the age of 85, who were prescribed statins. Heart disease is a leading cause of death for individuals aged 65 and older, with a significant percentage of mortality rates attributed to heart-related conditions in the older population. The study aimed to analyze how statin use could potentially lower this death risk in older adults by tracking specific statin drugs and outcomes among individuals treated at the Hong Kong Hospital Authority.
Cholesterol in the body comes from both dietary sources and from the liver, which produces a significant portion of circulating cholesterol. Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG0CoA reductase, which plays a critical role in synthesizing cholesterol in the liver. By decreasing cholesterol production in the liver, statins help reduce total blood cholesterol levels. Commonly prescribed statins like Lipitor, Zocor, and Crestor are known to help individuals prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels, stabilizing plaques in blood vessels, and potentially reducing the risk of heart disease through a modest effect on increasing HDL cholesterol and decreasing inflammation.
Morgan, a cardiologist at Piedmont Healthcare Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia, highlighted the benefits of statins in stabilizing plaques in blood vessels and decreasing the risk of sudden heart attacks caused by plaque rupture. The study adds to existing evidence supporting the value of statins in lowering all-cause mortality and cardiovascular deaths. It is recommended to consider prescribing statins for adults with risk factors for heart disease, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemias, or genetic lipid disorders. Primary prevention with statins can be useful for individuals without existing heart disease but with risk factors like family history, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, to prevent fatal cardiovascular events. In cases of secondary prevention, statins can help mitigate the risk of further cardiac events in individuals who have already experienced a heart attack.
While statins can be beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease, some users may experience muscle cramps or weakness, known as Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms (SAMS). Despite this, the incidence of SAMS is relatively low, with actual rates estimated to be around 10%. In cases where patients experience adverse effects, healthcare providers can consider switching to a different statin to alleviate symptoms. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of statins in improving cardiovascular health and reducing mortality rates associated with heart disease in older adults.
