Colchicine may lower risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with CAD

This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of colchicine (Colcrys) in patients with cardiovascular disease (CAD).

The study showed that colchicine might lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, among others.

Patients with CAD present build-up in the arteries responsible for the oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Because of the build-up, oxygen-transport to the heart is limited. It may lead to chest pain and even major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) like strokes or heart attacks. Heart attacks can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle. Coronary revascularization such as a bypass or a stent implantation might be necessary. Long-term consequences of CAD include limited physical ability and even heart failure and death. 

One approach to limit the risks in patients with CAD are drugs that reduce inflammation (anti-inflammatory). Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug usually used for patients with gout disease (a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in the joint). There is some evidence that it may also positively affect patients with CAD. The full extent of the effectiveness and safety of colchicine in patients with CAD is unknown.

This study evaluated the data of 5 large trials. Overall, 11,790 patients with CAD were included. The patients were either in a colchicine group or a control group (placebo or no treatment) for a duration of 6 months or longer. The dose of colchicine was 0.5 mg once or twice daily. The occurrence of MACE such as stroke, heart attack, as well as side-effects were observed.

The colchicine group had a significantly reduced risk for MACE (by 35%) compared to the control-groups. This risk reduction was seen in both patients with stable CAD or symptomatic CAD. The risk of experiencing a heart attack was 27% lower with colchicine. Also, the risk of having a stroke was 53% lower for the colchicine group.

Compared to the control groups, the colchicine group had a 39% lower risk of needing cardiovascular revascularization. There was no significant difference in the risk of death related to CAD between groups. Side-effects occurred similarly in both groups. 

The authors concluded that colchicine might reduce the risk of MACE in patients with CAD.

This was an analysis of different other studies. The definitions of MACE might have differed across trials. Factors that could have impacted the results, like additional diagnoses, medication, and predisposition, might not have been included.

Ask your doctor to receive more information about colchicine and possible compatibility with your treatment plan.