In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to assess the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), coronary heart disease (CHD) events and all-cause mortality in patients with statin intolerance.
This study concluded that statin intolerance was associated with an increased risk for recurrent MI and CHD events but not all-cause mortality.
Some background
Statin drugs often used to lower cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that can cause blockages and restrict blood flow to the heart. This can result in coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarction (MI). This is more commonly known as a heart attack. Statins are safe and effective for most patients but some will experience side effects like muscle cramps, nausea and headaches. This is known as statin intolerance. Statin intolerant patients may decide to stop taking statins or consider lower doses.
It was unknown if statin intolerance affected the risk of MI, CHD and all-cause mortality (death due to any cause).
Methods & findings
This study involved the records of 105,329 people who received moderate or high intensity doses of statin therapy after being hospitalized for MI.
52.8% of patients had statin adherence (statins were effective and patients followed dosage) and 1.65% of patients had statin intolerance. All patients were followed for an average of 1.9 to 2.3 years and the occurrence of MI, CHD events and deaths were recorded.
Statin intolerant patients had a 36% higher rate of recurrent MI and a 43% higher rate of CHD events than those with statin adherence. However, statin intolerant patients had a 15% lower rate of all-cause mortality when compared to statin adherent patients.
Statin intolerant patients had a 50% increased risk of experiencing a recurrent MI, 51% increased risk of CHD events and 4% decreased risk of mortality when compared to the statin adherent patients.
The bottom line
This study concluded that statin intolerance was associated with an increased risk for recurrent MI and CHD events but not all-cause mortality.
The fine print
This study involved only older patients from the USA and so may not represent the occurrence of MI, CHD and all-cause mortality in statin intolerant patients around the world.
What’s next?
Consult your physician about the risks and benefits of statin therapy.
Published By :
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Date :
Mar 21, 2017
