Link between LDL-C lowering by statins and CVD reduction not consistent says JAMA study

[Mito]

Link between LDL-C lowering by statins and CVD reduction not consistent says JAMA study

Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have found in a new study that the link between 'bad' cholesterol (LDL-C) and poor health outcomes, such as heart attack and stroke,...

medicaldialogues.in

Key Points
Question What is the association between statin-induced reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and the absolute and relative reductions in individual clinical outcomes, such as all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke?

Findings In this meta-analysis of 21 randomized clinical trials in primary and secondary prevention that examined the efficacy of statins in reducing total mortality and cardiovascular outcomes, there was significant heterogeneity but also reductions in the absolute risk of 0.8% for all-cause mortality, 1.3% for myocardial infarction, and 0.4% for stroke in those randomized to treatment with statins compared with control, with relative risk reductions of 9%, 29%, and 14%, respectively. A meta-regression was inconclusive regarding the association between the magnitude of statin-induced LDL-C reduction and all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke.

Meaning The study results suggest that the absolute benefits of statins are modest, may not be strongly mediated through the degree of LDL-C reduction, and should be communicated to patients as part of informed clinical decision-making as well as to inform clinical guidelines and policy.

Association Between Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction and Relative and Absolute Effects of Statin Treatment

This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the association between absolute reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with treatment with statin therapy and all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke.

jamanetwork.com

 

[Elie]

Good find. Relevant to my work. thank you.

 

[shan.alexander_]

Statins are typically chemokine blockers --- hence their use in some covid protocols to prevent the body's antibodies from binding to platelets and causing clots --- this could be the explanation for statins reducing the risk of CVD (not via lowering cholesterol but simply being a chemokine blocker, reducing clots).

After saying this outloud, I feel sure it makes the most sense. If only there is a way to reduce clotting without chemically castrating ourselves... you know, something like aspirin...

 

[Elie]

Right. Not just aspirin. Clotting is the effect of inflammation, so really anything that would prevent spike protein inflammatory effect, incl. vitamin D, should have similar effect.