Cholesterol & Statins
Statins may improve prostate health Statins cut risk of blood clots
Eggs don't increase cholesterol Statins may reduce blood pressure
Statins reduce demetia risk 10% reduction in cholesterol saves lives
Statins may improve prostate health
Yet more research has emerged that shows that statins are not just effective at reducing cholesterol levels. Two seperate studies have found that statins can help to keep the prostate healthy.
The first study from the Mayo Clinic in the USA followed 2,447 men aged 40 to 79 for almost 20 years. The conclusion was that statins may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and enlargement of the prostate. In fact, the men taking statins were 3 times less likely to develop prostate cancer and 57% less likely to develop an enlarged prostate.
The second study, also from America but this time Duke University in North Carolina, found that statins may impede the growth of prostate cancer by reducing inflammation. The researchers in this study, examined tumour samples from 254 men who had their prostate removed due to cancer. Interestingly, inflammation levels were 72% lower in the men who had been taking statins and it is thought that inflammation may fuel the growth of prostate cancer.
Statins may cut the risk of blood clots
A study publised in the New England Journal of Medicine and recently presented at the American College of Cardiology conference found that Rosuvastatin acts to reduce the risk of blood clots (Glynn etc al, 2009. A Randomised Trial of Rosuvastatin in the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism. NEJM, April 2009).
The results showed that, in nearly 18,000 healthy people, this statin cut the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) by 43% over an average period of 1.9 years.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are both forms of VTE. VTEs are of particular interest as they cause more than 25,000 deaths per year in Britain and are the most common cause of preventable death in hospital patients.
Unfortunately, this study only looked at one statin, Rovustatin, and follow up trials now need to be undertaken to see whether the results would be the same with other forms of this drug. In addition, this study needs to be extended to those at higher risk of VTEs to see whether statins may be prescribed to protect them in the future.
Eating eggs will not raise cholesterol
Eggs have had good and bad press over the last 5 years or so, especially where cholesterol is concerned. Well, now, a University of Surrey research team has found that most people can eat as many eggs as they like without raising their cholesterol levels.
Eggs are often thought to contribute to cholesterol levels due to the fact that the yolks contain almost all of our recommended daily cholesterol intake. However, although there is cholesterol present in eggs, it does not usually make a huge contribution to blood cholesterol concentration - saturated fat intake is much more likely to cause a rise in cholesterol.
In fact, only about one third of the cholesterol found in the body comes from the diet. It is important to maintain a healthy weight, not smoke, eat a balanced diet and be physically active as these factors will all contribute to healthy cholesterol levels.
This is good news as eggs are one of nature's most nutritionally dense foods and they should certainly be included in a healthy, balanced diet.
Statins may protect against dementia and memory loss
A 2008 study has shown that cholesterol-lowering drugs or 'statins' may protect against dementia and memory loss (Cramer et al (2008). Use of statins and incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment without dementia in a cohort study. Neurology, Jul 2008, 71, 344-350). In fact, the results indicate that statins may cut the risk of dementia by half.
Although results suggest that an individual would need to take statins for 5 to 7 years in order to halve their risk of dementia, it's encouraging news for the estimated 4 million people in England who currently take this medication and are at risk of dementia.
The exact mechanism of the benefit has not been established but it is thought to be due to the enhanced bloodflow to the brain. Statins are used to maintain blood vessel health and to protect them from the effects of high cholesterol. Therefore, if blood vessels are kept 'blockage-free', we can presume that bloodflow to the brain is maintained which may help to protect our memory.
Statins may lead to a reduction in blood pressure
Research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicates that statins may reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients as well as reducing cholesterol levels (Golomb et al (2008). Reductions in blood pressure with statins. Arch Intern Med. 2008, 168(7), 721-727.)
973 subjects took part in the study in which they were given either 20mg simvastatin, 40mg pravastatin sodium or a placebo for 6 months. Blood pressure was monitored throughout the trial and after the trial had ended to determine the time-course of any effects as well as the impact that removing the statin treatment had upon the individual's blood pressure.
Results showed that there was no impact upon blood pressure after just one month of medication. However, after 6 months, the statins had significantly reduced the participant's blood pressure as compared to the placebo - 2.2mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure and 2.4mmHg reductionin diastolic blood pressure. 2 months after the trial had ended, blood pressure readings had returned to pre-trial levels with any reductions being lost.
There was no difference in results according to the type of statin being taken. Interestingly, the reduction in blood pressure occurred in both hypertensive and normotensive subjects.
This study suggests that statins may be beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in two ways - by reducing cholesterol and by reducing blood pressure. However, the beneficial effect of lowering blood pressure is only evident whilst medication is being taken - there is no residual effect after 2 months. This trial, though, only lasted 6 months therefore it is hard to say if residual effects would be apparent following a longer period of medication.
10% reduction in 'bad' cholesterol saves lives
New Australian research has shown that even small reductions in cholesterol can significantly reduce heart attacks and strokes irrespective of starting cholesterol level. This is important news for anyone interested in reducing their risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease.
High cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for CV disease but many people with this condition are unaware of it meaning that they are also unaware of their increased CV disease risk. This new research shows just how great an impact could be made if everyone was aware of their cholesterol level.
The research was carried out at the George Institute for International Health which aims to improve global health by means of high quality research. Their research findings are applied to health policies and practice.
Results from this study showed that a 10% decrease in LDL or 'bad' cholesterol would save 3,000 lives a year in Australia - this is equivalent to 6% of the deaths from CV disease in the country.
The researchers also, importantly, found that this 10% decrease could be achieved in just a few weeks by reducing intake of saturated fat and increasing physical activity levels. So, for those people who are not at the point where they need drug therapy to improve their cholesterol profile, simple diet and exercise modifications can dramatically reduce their health risks.
It is particularly important to understand that this research found that the benefits of this '10% reduction' would not just be seen amongst people with cholesterol above the recommended upper limit i.e. 5.5mmol/L (5.2mmol/L in the UK). Even people with a level of 5.0mmol/L can be saved from heart attacks and/or strokes following a reduction in their cholesterol.
According to the researcher, Dr Rachel Huxley, the 10% reduction is very achievable and the best way to go about achieving it is to reduce your intake of saturated fats such as full-fat dairy products, cheese, meat and meat products, cakes, biscuits, pastry products, takeaway/convenience foods and snacks.
This study will be published later in 2008 in a US medical journal.