Stopping lipid-lowering statins increases risk of hospitalization and death

A new study by Italian scientists shows that cutting down on statins to treat cholesterol can easily lead to the risk of hospitalization and cardiovascular death in patients.

As life expectancy increases, it means that we will have to live with many chronic health problems such as cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc. and must take drugs to control these conditions. However, when the disease is stable or in good progress, some drugs will be considered to be discontinued to minimize “multi-drug” and adverse interactions. The scientists found that, among more than 29,000 adults aged 65 and older, who stopped taking cholesterol-lowering medications (while maintaining other medications), had an increased risk of having a cardiovascular emergency. and death. “The results of this study suggest that cutting back on statins may not be the optimal way,” said lead author Federico Rea, of the University of Milan. The patients in the study were taking a statin (such as lipitor) along with blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and diabetes medications from October 1, 2013 to January 31, 2015, and were followed up until January 31, 2015. ends June 30, 2018. Compared with those who continued to take statins, patients who stopped taking them were 24% more likely to need hospital care for heart failure, 14% more likely to have certain other heart conditions, and more likely to die. mortality from any cause is higher than 15%. They were also 12% more likely to need emergency treatment. Because the benefits of statins outweigh the risks in terms of cardiovascular protection, physicians should carefully consider discontinuing their use in elderly patients, the researchers said. Often doctors and patients want to cut off certain medications in the elderly, to avoid having to take multiple medications at once, reduce drug burden, and limit drug interactions… However, this is not always the case. is a safe choice. When deciding to discontinue medication, the physician should carefully consider the evidence based on it. Dr. Benjamin Hirsh, Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital said. The American Heart Association recommends starting statins before age 75 for patients who need it, and continuing it in patients over 75 years of age who can tolerate it. This study further reinforces the benefit of continued statin treatment in older adults, even among those taking multiple other medications. Dr. Gregg Fonarow, University of California said. Jade ( According to Drugs 6/2021 )