Cholesterol-Lowing Drugs May Reduce Gallstones
Cholesterol-Lowing Drugs May Reduce Gallstones
According to a new study, statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs,
when used long term, appear to reduce the incidence of gallstone
formation and possibly the need for gallbladder surgery. Results of the
study appeared in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical
Association. Researchers associated with the study report that
protection appears to increase the longer these drugs are continued.
The gallbladder is a small sac-like organ located just below the liver.
It contains bile, a liquid involved with the digestion of fats. Stones or
pellets can form when the bile contains too much cholesterol. The majority
of gallstones are made up of hardened cholesterol. If enough
stones accumulate, they can block the flow of bile from the liver. If they
do not cause abdominal pain, they are called “silent stones.” However,
many people have pain the in the upper right abdomen, in the back
between the shoulder blades, or under the right shoulder. If blockage of
the bile duct continues, infection may result. Surgical removal of the
gallbladder may become necessary.