September 18, 2012
Study looks into statins and blood clots
Statins don’t prevent blood clots in veins, a
study has shown.
An analysis of past research showed that 0.9
per cent of people on statins
experienced blood clots, compared to 1 per
cent of those not taking the drug.
Our Medical Director, Professor Peter
Weissberg, said: “It has long been thought that statins
may have additional health benefits on top of
their proven ability to reduce heart
attacks and strokes.
“An earlier study suggested that one statin,
rosuvastatin, might reduce the risk of blood clots in deep
veins and lungs, known as venous thromboembolism.
“However, findings in single studies can
sometimes happen by chance. By pooling a large amount of
data on several different types of statin, this analysis
shows that any significant protection against blood clots is highly
unlikely.”
This study was published in PLoS
Medicine.