Cholesterol-lowering drug linked to reduced death risk from COVID-19: Study
PTI, Nov 15, 2021, 4:25 PM IST
London: Statins, which are used to lower the cholesterol levels in the body, may be associated with a slightly reduced risk of death from COVID-19, according to a large study conducted in Sweden.
Statins are a recommended and common intervention for preventing cardiovascular events by reducing levels of lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood.
During the pandemic, it has been debated whether statins influence the risk of death from COVID-19.
The researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden conducted the largest population study to date in the field.
The study, recently published in the journal PLOS Medicine, indicates that statin treatment slightly lowers COVID-19 mortality.
Earlier studies did not provide a clear answer and often suffered from the limitation that they only included hospital inpatients.
Using data from Swedish registers, the researchers of the latest study followed 963,876 residents of Stockholm over the age of 45 between March and November 2020.
The findings are based on analyses of data on the participants’ prescribed medication and healthcare and from the Cause of Death Register.
The information was analysed with respect to such factors as diagnosed medical conditions.
The study shows that statin treatment was associated with a slightly lower risk of dying from COVID-19, a correlation that did not vary significantly among risk groups.
”Our results suggest that statin treatment can have a moderate prophylactic effect on COVID-19 mortality,” said study co-first author Rita Bergqvist, a medical student at Karolinska Institutet.
The researchers noted that randomised studies will be needed to ascertain whether there is a causal relationship.
”All in all, our findings support the continued use of statins for conditions such as cardiovascular disease and high levels of blood lipids in line with current recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said study co-first author Viktor Ahlqvist, a doctoral student at Karolinska Institutet.
The researchers noted one limitation of the study which concerns the use of prescription data without the possibility of checking individual drug use.
They were also not able to control for risk factors such as smoking and high body mass index (BMI), only diagnosed health status.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
One jab of measles vaccine more likely to be ineffective in children born by C-section, study finds
Mahoshada Kalpa, a cancer treatment having U.S. patent
Explained: Why oleander flowers are banned in Kerala temples – A closer look
Athletes running 4-minute mile outlive general population, study finds
Lack of sleep in children linked to risk of psychosis in adulthood, study finds
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Man who put up Ghatkopar hoarding arrested after 16 dead in collapse
BJP struggling to reach 200 seats in LS polls: Kharge
Sheer hard work, passion and professionalism set Chhetri apart from other players: Bhaichung Bhutia
Terrorist associate arrested with arms, ammunition in J&K’s Kupwara
Cong adopts multi-pronged media strategy in polls, 20,000 volunteers spread message