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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Parenting Patch)
BY JASMINE BAILEY
A new study shows statins, or drugs that lower cholesterol, may be more beneficial than previously
thought.
The study focused on elderly adults and found patients taking statins had a 40 percent lower
chance of having a heart attack and almost 25 percent less risk of suffering a stroke
than those who took placebos. (Via Everyday Health)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the single
leading cause of death in the United States. (Via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Statins have been on the market for years and according to a medical analysis for CBS,
their benefits and risks have been a topic of debate for some time. But this new study
shows the benefits may outweigh the risks.
"Statins lower inflammation throughout the body particularly in the blood vessels. That
type of inflammation is linked with a number of diseases, Alzheimer's disease, a number
of forms of cancer, stroke. Right now statins aren't prescribed for that purpose." (Via
CBS)
Everyday Health talked to a Doctor who says statins should be a medication used more often
to treat patients — saying: "With increasing life expectancy and an increasing proportion
of the population surviving to age 90 years or greater, these reductions in risk may ultimately
translate into a reduction in death although that was not shown in this trial."
But just like with any medication, there are still some side effects. Most notably diabetes.
Other things to worry about include muscle pain or damage, nausea, headaches and liver
enzyme problems.
However, researchers say those risks are relatively low.