Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in every cell of our body, playing essential roles, but too much of it can clog arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
To manage high cholesterol levels, doctors often prescribe medications known as statins.
These drugs help by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver, particularly targeting LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Despite their effectiveness, statins aren’t suitable for everyone.
Some people experience side effects like muscle and joint pain, making it difficult for them to continue with this treatment. Additionally, for some, statins don’t reduce the LDL cholesterol levels enough.
Enter bempedoic acid, a newer medication that’s showing promise as an alternative for those who can’t tolerate statins or need further reductions in their LDL cholesterol.
This finding comes from research highlighted at a recent meeting of the Endocrine Society in Chicago, Illinois. The study, backed by Esperion Therapeutics – the creators of bempedoic acid, looked at patients who struggled with statins.
The initial results of the CLEAR Outcomes Trial indicated that bempedoic acid not only lowered LDL cholesterol by an average of 21% but also cut down the risk of significant cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes by 13%.
This sparked a question: could the benefits of bempedoic acid in reducing heart disease risk be on par with those achieved through statins?
Further analysis answered this with a positive note. Patients taking bempedoic acid experienced a reduced likelihood of major heart-related events, similar to the risk reduction seen with statin users for a comparable LDL level decrease.
This discovery is particularly noteworthy as it suggests that bempedoic acid could serve as a crucial tool for patients who either can’t handle statins well or need to lower their cholesterol levels further.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, making it crucial to have effective treatment options available.
Dr. A. Michael Lincoff, a key figure in the study and an expert at the Cleveland Clinic, points out the global challenge posed by cardiovascular diseases and highlights the significance of bempedoic acid as an additional strategy for managing cholesterol levels and, by extension, reducing cardiovascular disease risks.
The development of bempedoic acid represents a significant advance in heart health management. It broadens the scope of treatment options, offering new hope for individuals at risk of heart disease who cannot use statins or require an extra push in lowering their cholesterol levels.
This progress underscores the vital role of ongoing research and innovation in medicine, enhancing our capability to fight cardiovascular diseases and paving the way for a healthier future for many around the globe.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about how to eat to prevent stroke, and diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and wild blueberries can benefit your heart and brain.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
