Cholesterol is a necessary substance in the body, but too much of it can lead to clogged arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. To lower high cholesterol, doctors often prescribe statins, which reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver, particularly LDL cholesterol, known as “bad” cholesterol.
While statins are highly effective, they aren’t suitable for everyone. Some people experience muscle and joint pain, making it hard to continue using them. Others may find that statins alone don’t lower their cholesterol enough.
A New Alternative: Bempedoic Acid
A newer medication, bempedoic acid, is emerging as a promising alternative for those who can’t tolerate statins or need additional cholesterol reduction. Research presented at a recent Endocrine Society meeting in Chicago has highlighted its benefits.
In a study funded by Esperion Therapeutics, the company behind bempedoic acid, researchers examined its effects on people who struggled with statins. The results were encouraging:
- Bempedoic acid lowered LDL cholesterol by an average of 21%.
- It also reduced the risk of major heart events, such as heart attacks and strokes, by 13%.
Comparable to Statins?
One key question researchers explored was whether bempedoic acid could provide the same heart-protective benefits as statins. The answer appears to be yes—patients taking bempedoic acid saw a similar reduction in heart disease riskas those using statins when their LDL cholesterol levels dropped by the same amount.
This is an important breakthrough because cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Having additional treatment options like bempedoic acid means that more people can effectively manage their cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of heart disease.
Expanding Treatment Options
Dr. A. Michael Lincoff from the Cleveland Clinic, a lead researcher in the study, emphasizes that cardiovascular disease is a global challenge and that bempedoic acid adds a valuable new tool for managing cholesterol.
For those who can’t take statins or need extra help in lowering cholesterol, this new drug could improve heart health and save lives.
A Step Forward in Heart Health
The development of bempedoic acid is a significant step in treating high cholesterol and preventing heart disease. It gives more people access to effective treatments, especially those who have struggled with statins.
This progress highlights the importance of ongoing research and innovation in medicine. As scientists continue to find new ways to fight heart disease, the future looks brighter for those at risk.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that vitamin K helps cut heart disease risk by a third, and a year of exercise reversed worrisome heart failure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about supplements that could help prevent heart disease, stroke, and results showing this food ingredient may strongly increase heart disease death risk.
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