Statin Drugs Can Reduce Heart Attacks.

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Three common cholesterol-lowering drugs significantly reduce an independent marker of inflammation in the coronary arteries called C-reactive protein (CRP), researchers at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas have discovered. Inflammation in the coronary arteries has been shown to be a major cause of heart attack and stroke. More than 70% of the participants in the study responded positively to at least one of three statin drugs--pravastatin, simvastatin, and atorvastatin. The participants' CRP levels decreased an average of 23% while on the statin therapy.

According to Ishwarlal Jialal, professor of pathology and internal medicine and head of clinical biochemistry and human metabolism, "Previously, these drugs have been shown to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ["bad"] cholesterol. We have now shown that they have anti-inflammatory effects by lowering CRP. These results are very encouraging for the population and provide an additional way of lowering the risks of cardiovascular disease. This is important for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease."

Twenty-two patients with combined hyperlipidemia--high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels--participated in the study. They followed the American Heart Association's Step One Diet--low-fat, high-carbohydrate--for six weeks prior to beginning drug therapy and then throughout the study. Each drug was given for six weeks, with a period of three weeks between them. Multiple blood samples were taken throughout the study. The reductions in CRP levels with pravastatin, simvastatin, and atorvastatin were 20, 23, and 28%, respectively. Those who responded to the pravastatin, simvastatin, and atorvastatin were 73, 82, and 82%, respectively.

Physicians assess CRP levels by administering a simple...