Statins are commonly prescribed as cholesterol-lowering drugs, but a new study suggests they also reduce the risk of infection. The researchers analyzed medical records from over 1,600 people who were hospitalized with ischemic stroke, and found that those taking statins had a reduced risk of infection by 58 percent.
Study author Doug Weeks said, “If patients had statins before there was evidence of an infection, there was a reduced risk that they would actually develop an infection. The administration of statins relative to infection is critically important. We’ve been able to establish that if statins are given early, before infection can occur, the risk of infection is substantially reduced. However, this relationship needs to be tested in more rigorous placebo-controlled studies to see if this benefit with statins is maintained.”
Statins not only reduce cholesterol levels but also contain anti-inflammatory properties, which helps them reduce the risk of infection.
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Nearly one-third to a half of stroke patients develop infection, which can be caused by tubes, catheters, and a weakened immune system.
Also, read Bel Marra Health’s article: Lyme disease can be stopped by using cholesterol-lowering statins at source: study.
Sources:
https://news.wsu.edu/2016/06/16/statin-drugs-reduce-infection-risk-stroke-patients/
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
