Statins increase the death rate by 150-300%

This post includes a synopsis of a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine 1991; 151 (1): 43-49 and a recipe for country captain.

Study title and authors:
Expanded Clinical Evaluation of Lovastatin (EXCEL) Study Results: 1. Efficacy in Modifying Plasma Lipoproteins and Adverse Event Profile in 8245 Patients With Moderate Hypercholesterolemia

Books:

Reagan H. Bradford, MD, PhD; Charles L. Shear, DPH; Athanassios N. Chremos, MD; Carlos Dujovne, MD; Maria Downton, MS; Frank A. Franklin, MD, PhD; A. Lawrence Gould, PhD; Michael Hesney, MS; Jim Higgins, PhD; Dennis P. Hurley, DSc; Alexandra Langendorfer, MS; David T. Nash, MD; James L. Pool, MD; Harold Schnaper, MD

This study can be accessed at: http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/151/1/43

The study investigated the relationship between statins and death rates. In the study 8,245 'patients', aged 18 to 70, with cholesterol levels between 232mg/dL (6.0 mmol/l) and 300mg/dL (7.8 mmol/l) received one of four different doses of lovastatin (Mevacor) or a placebo.

The study found after 1 year:
(a) Higher transaminase levels (which may be an indicator of liver damage) were found in the subjects taking statins.
(b) Higher incidence of clinical adverse experiences requiring patients to discontinue the 'treatment' were found in the subjects taking statins.
(i) 16% more patients taking 20 mg/day statins discontinued their treatment compared to patients taking a placebo.
(ii) 50% more patients taking 80 mg/day statins discontinued their treatment compared to patients taking a placebo.
(c) Higher levels of muscle damage were detected in the subjects taking statins.
(d) The four groups taking lovastatin lowered their low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 24%-40%.
(e) The four groups taking lovastatin lowered their cholesterol levels by 17%-29%.
(f) The death rate of the four groups taking various doses of lovastatin was 150-300% higher than the placebo group.

The results of the study show that statin drugs lower cholesterol levels and increase the death rate.

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Recipe of the day

Country Captain

Ingredients:

Food Mall: Boneless Chicken Thigh

◦1 lb. boneless chicken thighs

◦1 onion, diced
◦2 t garam masala
◦1 t curry powder
◦1/2 c raisins
◦2 t fresh ginger, minced
◦1 can coconut milk
◦1 lime, juiced

Method:
In a skillet, melt some fat over medium-high heat. Salt and pepper the chicken thighs. Sear them on both sides until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and place on your serving platter.

Add the diced onion, garam masala, curry powder and ginger to the saute pan. Saute until the onions are tender. Add the coconut milk, raisins and lime juice. Simmer for a few minutes. Spoon the sauce over the chicken thighs.

Top with fresh cilantro and sliced almonds.

Country Captain