Unexpected Benefit From Cholesterol-Lowering Drug
The popular group of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins is back in the news. An analysis of data, which was published recently in the medical journal Chest, involved over 75,000 persons enrolled in different health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Study results indicated the individuals who used statins (which include the prescription drugs Lipitor, Zocor, and Pravachol) appeared to have a lower risk of death from certain respiratory conditions. Specifically, those who took one of the statins for at least 90 days experienced a reduced risk of death from emphysema, chronic bronchitis, influenza, and pneumonia. Some scientists believe this is an immune system effect. Obviously more work must be done to validate this theory.
In addition to lowering cholesterol, the statins have been found to lower the risk of a blood infection known as sepsis, a leading cause of death in hospital intensive care units. They also have been found to decrease the risk of major cardiovascular events in persons undergoing stent placement