Statin use is associated with a 60% increased risk of interstitial lung abnormalities in smokers

This study was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2012 Mar 1;185(5):547-56

 

Study title and authors:

Statins and pulmonary fibrosis: the potential role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Xu JF, Washko GR, Nakahira K, Hatabu H, Patel AS, Fernandez IE, Nishino M, Okajima Y, Hunninghake GM

Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22246178

The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between statin use and interstitial lung disease in smokers. The study included 2,115 subjects who were smokers and had had a CT scan. (A CT (computerised tomography) scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body).

The study found, that in people that smoke, statin users have a 60% increased risk of interstitial lung abnormalities compared to those who don't take statins.

Xu concludes: "Our findings demonstrate that statin use is associated with interstitial lung abnormalities among current and former smokers". 

Stroke patients with low cholesterol have an 87% increased risk of death

This study was published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases 2013 Oct 5. pii: S1052-3057(13)00338-8

Study title and authors:
High Cholesterol Levels Are Associated with Improved Long-term Survival after Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Markaki I, Nilsson U, Kostulas K, Sjöstrand C.
Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: ioanna.markaki@ki.se.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24103674

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cholesterol levels on death rates in patients that had suffered an ischemic stroke. (Ischemic stroke occurs when an artery to the brain is blocked). The study lasted for seven years and included 190 patients. Patients were classified as having high cholesterol, above 4.6 mmol/L (178 mg/dL), or low cholesterol, below 4.6 mmol/L (178 mg/dL).

The study found that ischemic stroke patients with low cholesterol had an 87% increased risk of death compared to ischemic stroke patients with high cholesterol.  

Statins can make asthma worse

This study was presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting: Abstract 30. November 6, 2011.

Study title and author:
Statins can make asthma worse
Safa Nsouli, MD
Danville Asthma and Allergy Clinic in California.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/753504

This statins investigated the association of statins with asthma. The study, which lasted 12 months, compared 20 patients with asthma who were taking statins with 20 matched patients who were not taking statins.

The study found:
(a) In statin patients the forced expiratory volume in 1 second decreased by an extra 21% compared to patients not taking statins. (Forced expiratory volume in 1 second is the amount of air which can be forcibly exhaled from the lungs in the first second of a forced exhalation).
(b) In statin patients the peak expiratory flow decreased by an extra 28% compared to patients not taking statins. (Peak expiratory flow rate is the maximum flow rate generated during a forceful exhalation, starting from full lung inflation. Peak flow rate primarily reflects large airway flow and depends on the voluntary effort and muscular strength of the patient).
(c) The use of beta-agonist rescue inhalers was 63% higher in the statin group than in the nonstatin group.
(d) In statin patients the incidence of night time wakening increased by an extra 28% compared to patients not taking statins.
(e) In statin patients the incidence of daytime asthma symptoms increased by an extra 32% compared to patients not taking statins.

Dr Nsouli concluded: "Patients with asthma who are prescribed statins should be informed that, because of the adverse immunomodulatory effects that statins produce, their asthma might get worse".

Low cholesterol levels are associated with higher death rates

This study was published in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care 2013 Sep;31(3):172-80

Study title and authors:
Association of lipoprotein levels with mortality in subjects aged 50 + without previous diabetes or cardiovascular disease: a population-based register study.

Bathum L, Depont Christensen R, Engers Pedersen L, Lyngsie Pedersen P, Larsen J, Nexøe J.
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Slagelse Hospital, Region Zealand, Denmark. lbat@regionsjaelland.dk

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23941088

This study aimed to investigate the association of cholesterol levels with death rates in men and women free from diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study included 118,160 subjects, aged 50 and over, and lasted for nine years.

The study found:
(a) In men aged 50 - 60: Those with cholesterol levels between 6 - 7.99 mmol/L (232 - 309 mg/dL) had a 32% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(b) In women aged 50 - 60: Those with cholesterol levels between 6 - 7.99 mmol/L (232 - 309 mg/dL) had a 29% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(c) In men aged 60 - 70: Those with cholesterol levels between 6 - 7.99 mmol/L (232 - 309 mg/dL) had a 33% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(d) In women aged 60 - 70: Those with cholesterol levels between 6 - 7.99 mmol/L (232 - 309 mg/dL) had a 41% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(e) In men aged over 70: Those with cholesterol levels between 6 - 7.99 mmol/L (232 - 309 mg/dL) had a 38% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(f) In women aged over 70: Those with cholesterol levels between 6 - 7.99 mmol/L (232 - 309 mg/dL) had a 41% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(g) In both men and women between the ages of 50 -70: Cholesterol levels over 8 mmol/L (310 mg/dL) had no impact on death rates.
(g) (i) In men aged over 70: Those with cholesterol levels over 8 mmol/L (310 mg/dL) had a 33% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(g) (ii) In women aged over 70: Those with cholesterol levels over 8 mmol/L (310 mg/dL) had a 41% reduced risk of death compared to those with cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL).
(h) In men aged 50 - 60: Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels over 4 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) had a 56% reduced risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/L (96 mg/dL).
(i) In women aged 50 - 60: Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels over 4 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) had a 31% reduced risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/L (96 mg/dL).
(j) In men aged 60 - 70: Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels over 4 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) had a 55% reduced risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/L (96 mg/dL).
(k) In women aged 60 - 70: Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels over 4 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) had a 53% reduced risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/L (96 mg/dL).
(l) In men aged over 70: Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels over 4 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) had a 37% reduced risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/L (96 mg/dL).
(m) In women aged over 70: Those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels over 4 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) had a 40% reduced risk of death compared to those with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/L (96 mg/dL).
(n) In men aged 50 - 60: Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels between 1.5 - 1.9 mmol/L (58 - 76 mg/dL) had a 36% reduced risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L (38 mg/dL).
(o) In women aged 50 - 60: Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels between 1.5 - 1.9 mmol/L (58 - 76 mg/dL) had a 60% reduced risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L (38 mg/dL).
(p) In men aged 60 - 70: Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels between 1.5 - 1.9 mmol/L (58 - 76 mg/dL) had a 43% reduced risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L (38 mg/dL).
(q) In women aged 60 - 70: Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels between 1.5 - 1.9 mmol/L (58 - 76 mg/dL) had a 65% reduced risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L (38 mg/dL).
(r) In men aged over 70: Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels between 1.5 - 1.9 mmol/L (58 - 76 mg/dL) had a 35% reduced risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L (38 mg/dL).
(s) In women aged over 70: Those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels between 1.5 - 1.9 mmol/L (58 - 76 mg/dL) had a 46% reduced risk of death compared to those with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels below 1.0 mmol/L (38 mg/dL).

This study shows that low cholesterol levels, low LDL and HDL cholesterol levels are associated with higher death rates.

Statins, fibrates and beta blockers increase fatigue during moderate intensity exercise

This study was published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 1997 Mar;43(3):291-300

 

Study title and authors:

The effects of combined treatment with beta 1-selective receptor antagonists and lipid-lowering drugs on fat metabolism and measures of fatigue during moderate intensity exercise: a placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects.

Eagles CJ, Kendall MJ.

Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9088584

This study examined the effects of different combinations of beta blockers (metoprolol and atenolol) and cholesterol-lowering drugs (fluvastatin and bezafibrate), on fatigue during moderate intensity exercise in healthy young volunteers. The study included 14 healthy men and women, average age 21.9 years, who completed five, 90 minute walks after been treated with either four different combinations of metoprolol or atenolol and fluvastatin or bezafibrate, or placebo.

The study found:
(a) Fat oxidation was between 24% to 40 % lower in subjects treated with beta blockers and cholesterol lowering drugs compared to subjects on placebo. 
(b) Ammonia levels were between 51% to 170 % higher in subjects treated with beta blockers and cholesterol lowering drugs compared to subjects on placebo. (High ammonia levels can lead to lack of energy and brain damage).
(c) Scores on the feeling scale were significantly lower in subjects treated with beta blockers and cholesterol lowering drugs compared to subjects on placebo. (i.e. subjects treated with beta blockers and cholesterol lowering drugs felt worse compared to subjects on placebo).
(d) Subjects treated with beta blockers and cholesterol lowering drugs found it took between 12% to 40% more perceived cardiorespiratory effort to complete the walks compared to subjects on placebo.
(e) Subjects treated with beta blockers and cholesterol lowering drugs found it took between 22% to 40% more perceived leg effort to complete the walks compared to subjects on placebo.
(f) Subjects treated with beta blockers and cholesterol lowering drugs suffered 22% to 45% more perceived leg pain compared to subjects on placebo.

In healthy volunteers, this study revealed that combinations of beta blockers and cholesterol lowering drugs were associated with increased fatigue during moderate intensity exercise.

Analysis of 1,430,141 people finds that high levels of cholesterol and LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of hemorrhagic stroke by a third

This study was published in Stroke 2013 Jul;44(7):1833-9

Study title and authors:
Cholesterol levels and risk of hemorrhagic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Wang X, Dong Y, Qi X, Huang C, Hou L.
Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23704101

The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship of cholesterol levels with the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The study was an analysis of 23 previous studies and included 1,430,141 participants.

The study found:
(a) Those with the highest cholesterol had a 31% decreased risk of hemorrhagic stroke compared to those with the lowest cholesterol.
(b) Those with the highest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol had a 38% decreased risk of hemorrhagic stroke compared to those with the lowest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
(c) Every 1 mmol/L (38 mg/dL) increase in cholesterol levels decreased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke by 15%.
(d) Every 1 mmol/L (38 mg/dL) increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels decreased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke by 10%.

High levels of cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Lipitor significantly worsens erectile dysfunction

This study was published in Kardiologia Polska 2013 Oct 21

Study title and authors:
The effect of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin on erectile dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic patients.

Nurkalem Z, Yıldırımtürk O, Ozcan KS, Kul S, Canga Y, Satılmış S, Bozbeyoğlu E, Kaya C.
Siyami Ersek Training and research hospital department of cardiology. serhandr@gmail.com.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24142756

The IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function-5) is an international questionnaire for identifying erectile dysfunction. A low score represents severe erectile dysfunction, whereas higher scores indicate better erectile function.

The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of different statin types on erectile dysfunction in "patients" with "high" cholesterol. The study lasted for six months and included 90 healthy men, (average age 50 years), with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels above 160mg/dL (4.1 mmol/l). Patients were divided into two different groups. One group received rosuvastatin while the other group was given atorvastatin.

The study found:
(a) The IIEF-5 scores of men taking rosuvastatin (Crestor) decreased by .4%.
(b) The IIEF-5 scores of men taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) decreased significantly by 8.5%.

The results of the study reveal Lipitor significantly worsens erectile dysfunction.

Doctors say cholesterol and saturated fat do not cause heart disease and statins do not save lives

Please watch the two videos, each last about 30 minutes.

In the first video Dr Maryanne Demasi follows the road which led us to believe that saturated fat and cholesterol cause heart disease, and reveal why it's been touted as the biggest myth in medical history.



The second video reveals the dangers of statin drugs.



The take home messages from the videos:

(i)Don't worry about cholesterol and saturated fat - they do NOT cause heart disease.
(ii)Taking statins will not add a day to your life and they expose you to many debilitating side-effects.

For the last four or five decades we have been misled about the causes of heart disease.

Please tweet or put this post on facebook to help the following message go viral.

Cholesterol and saturated fat do NOT cause heart disease - Statins do NOT save lives and have many detrimental side-effects.