Statins could help reduce complications during surgical operations

Research has found that statins taken before surgery reduced the risk of heart complications

STATINS taken before surgery can help reduce heart complications and cut death rates, according to a study published today.

 

The cholesterol-busting pills reduced the risk of heart complications within 30 days of an operation by 17 per cent, the research found.

They also reduced the risk of all deaths by 43 per cent, cardiovascular death by 52 per cent and myocardial injury by 14 per cent.

The study concluded statins are safe and effective.

Dr Philip Devereux, from McMaster University in Canada, where the research was carried out, explained: “Among the 200 million adults worldwide who undergo non-cardiac surgery annually, more than 10 million will suffer a cardiovascular complication in the first 30 days.”

Statin therapy was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular complications at 30 days

Dr Otavio Berwange

 

He added: “Statins may offer protection from complications for patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery such as hip replacements”.

The study, presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress, examined 15,478 patients aged over 45.

Dr Otavio Berwanger, of the Hospital do Coração in Sao Paulo, Brazil, who presented the study said: “Statin therapy was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular complications at 30 days.”