|
The effectiveness
of statins in stopping or slowing the build-up of calcium
in the aortic valve might prevent the need for many elderly
to have replacement surgery, according to University of Washington
researchers.
In a report
in the March 30th issue of The Lancet, the researchers said
they found that people taking statins had a 62 percent lower
median rate of calcium accumulation than those who didn't
take them. The researchers looked at the records of 65 people
who had undergone two electron beam computed tomography scans
an average of two years apart. Of the group, 28 had been taking
statins.
"If
the findings of our work are replicated in larger studies,
we believe that one practical implication is that the need
for valve surgery may be prevented or delayed by treatment
with statins," lead researcher Dr. Kevin O'Brien told
Medical Week. "We are planning a larger trial to determine
definitively whether statins are of benefit in patients with
aortic valve calcium. However, we have not yet begun enrolling
patients."
O'Brien,
an associate professor in the medical school's cardiology
division, said statins may also lead to a decrease in the
risk of congestive heart failure for patients with valve calcium
buildup. He said this would occur as a result of a reduction
of the stress placed on the heart as it tries to open the
calcified valves.
According
to O'Brien, statins appear to be quite safe even though major
side effects can include muscle aches and elevations in liver
function tests. However, he noted that several large, placebo-controlled
trials in which statins have been used to treat or prevent
coronary artery disease have shown no significant difference
in the rates of muscle or liver problems in statin-treated
vs. placebo-treated patients.
Source:
Heart
Disease Week of April 7, 2002
|
HOME PAGE
