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News items on 'Statins (hmg-coa Reductase Inhibitors)'
Statins May Worsen Symptoms In Some Cardiac Patients
(World health - EU Monitor 05/11/2009)
Although statins are widely used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular disorders, new research shows that the class of drugs may actually have negative effects on some cardiac patients. A new study presented at CHEST 2009, found that statins have beneficial effects on patients with systolic heart failure (SHF), but those with diastolic heart failure (DHF) experienced the opposite effect, including increased dyspnea, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance.
Martin Hannan: 'Wonder drug' drove me out of my mind
(The Scotsman 15/07/2009)
SOME prominent medical chaps recently suggested to my utter horror that healthy middle-aged and elderly people could benefit from taking cholesterol-lowering statins, the so-called wonder drug of our age which is the real reason why Britain's heart mortality rate is dropping. Apart from balking at the lunatic Hitlerian principle of mass medication of healthy citizens, I would urge anyone, healthy or otherwise, who is considering taking statins to read about my statin experience.
Slow blood flow 'hampers statins'
(BBC 13/07/2009)
An Imperial team investigated the antioxidant potency of statins in the arteries. They found the increase in HO-1 induced by the statin was significantly higher in cells exposed to fast and regular blood flow than in cells where blood flow was sluggish or disrupted. Previous research has shown endothelial cells produce protective biological signals in parts of the artery where blood flow is fast to counter the build up of fatty cholesterol deposits.
Statins: lifesaving wonderdrugs or just lifedamaging?
(Telegraph 01/05/2009)
Last week it was claimed that every third person in England over the age of 45 was taking statins - around seven million people. Yet, according to the Department of Health, up to 10 per cent of patients may have significant side-effects. That is to say, 700,000 Britons may now be suffering moderate to crippling pain or loss of memory or libido, after taking a drug that is hailed everywhere as the greatest pharmacological find of the 21st century.
Statin cuts risk of blood clots
(BBC 30/03/2009)
A cholesterol-lowering drug can significantly cut the risk of potentially fatal blood clots, research suggests. In trials rosuvastatin cut the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in healthy people by 43%. Forms of VTE include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, the most common cause of preventable death in hospital patients.
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Millions could be put on statins
(BBC 10/02/2009)
Millions more healthy people could be put on cholesterol-lowering drugs. England's heart tsar Roger Boyle said the government's rationing body should look at the issue after a study showed statins nearly halve heart attack risk. Under current plans around one in four adults aged over 40 is to be prescribed statins on the NHS. GPs will begin the risk assessments later this year.
Early tests could identify heart risks
(The Independent 09/02/2009)
People in their 20s and 30s could soon be offered the same cholesterol-lowering drugs taken by their parents, following pioneering research identifying the genetic factors which increase the risk of heart attack. Scientists say nine genetic mutations, inherited together, can double the risk of heart disease. Young people may in future be offered DNA tests to see if they should be taking statins.
Viewpoint: The hidden (and painful) cost of statins
(Daily Mail 26/01/2009)
About a million Britons take statins to reduce their cholesterol - now American medics are suggesting at least 80 per cent of men over 50 and women over 60 should be prescribed them. One expert who is far from convinced is Dr Andrew Bamji, a consultant in rheumatology and rehabilitation at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup. He was on statins until things went horribly wrong...
Why taking statins could mask signs of prostate cancer
(Daily Mail 29/10/2008)
Statin drugs taken by millions of men could dampen a key indicator of prostate cancer, doctors have warned.
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