Study Shows Statins Reduce Heart Risks for People Living with HIV
A recent study has found that taking statin drugs can reduce the risk of serious heart problems by over a third for people living with HIV. The study, conducted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, was so successful that it was stopped early. The interim analysis showed that taking the daily statin pitavastatin calcium could lower the risk of major heart events by 35% in this patient group.
The trial, called the Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (Reprieve), began in 2015 with around 7,800 volunteers aged 40 to 75 years. The participants were all taking antiretroviral therapy and had low-to-moderate traditional cardiovascular disease risk that would not typically be considered for statin treatment. The study was conducted in 12 countries across Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Africa.
The side effects for patients were similar to those in the general population taking statin therapy. The study’s Data Safety and Monitoring Board determined that the benefits outweighed any risks. Results from a final review are expected to be published in the coming weeks.
