Statins halved the risk of stroke in patients with colesterolUn study by British researchers has shown that improving compliance with statin therapy in people with high cholesterol reduced by up to 50% the risk of heart attacks and strokes among patients most at risk.
The scientists suggest in their research, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, which is more effective to encourage high-risk groups to take statins were prescribed, to extend the administration of these drugs to patients with a lower risk cardiovascular, as recommended by U.S. health advisers.
Statins may reduce the so-called bad cholesterol, or low density lipoprotein (LDL) – and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, but experts say that only about half the patients who are prescribed continues long-term treatment.
“Generally, people need to take these medicines for a long time, often for the rest of their lives, but they have to take them regularly for some years to really benefit,” he told Reuters Shroufi Amir, director of the study.
In this sense, Shroufi said it was “not surprising” that focus on improving treatment compliance among patients at high risk yields better fruit to extend the range of statin use among patients in any danger.
In fact, after analyzing data from more than 38,000 participants in the study, researchers found that the difference was “notable”, so “it is important to find more effective ways for patients to comply with prescribed therapy,” said director’s report.
In this regard, Shroufi explained that one of the best ways to improve patient adherence to statin treatment is that doctors will explain more clearly the long-term benefits that have this medication. “We also would use different mechanisms to remember to take medication, such as text or in the refrigerator magnets,” he added.