Stopping statin medications suddenly could be fatal
08 March 2002
Patients who stop taking their statin medication while hospitalised for chest pain may have a rebound effect that could kill them. Statins are medications taken to lower cholesterol.
A German study, rushed to publication by the scientific journal Circulation, has shown that people who suddenly stop taking statins after being hospitalised for chest pain are 3 times more likely to have a heart attack or die than those who continue.
And a week after admission, a significantly higher number of patients who were taken off their statin therapy had undergone procedures to restore blood flow through their coronary arteries.
The researchers said that stopping statin therapy was unrelated to the patient's risk profile.
While the study focused on hospital-based patients, Clinical Associate Professor David Sullivan, head of the lipid clinic at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, said GPs should still encourage patients to continue using their medication.
Dr Sullivan said he was surprised the withdrawal of statins resulted in a rebound effect, especially because it was generally 'thought that cholesterol lowering was gradual and that the immediate effect of cessation would not cause clinical deterioration.'
Last Reviewed: 13 March 2002
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 08/03/02
