Statins can lower risk of strokes

NEW research shows that the likelihood of experiencing a stroke increases with elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol, so it is important to reduce these.

Adcock Ingram, a leading South African pharmaceutical company, has released a statement saying blood pressure and high cholesterol can be reduced with the use of statins.

Statins are medicines that are used to lower blood cholesterol levels. They do this by blocking the action of an enzyme in the liver that is necessary for making cholesterol. By reducing blood cholesterol levels, statins lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

This is in the spotlight as Sunday is World Stroke Day.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a stroke is the outcome of damage to the brain tissue as a result of a blocked or burst blood vessel, which in turn cuts off oxygen and nutrients to the brain tissue.

A stroke can affect mobility, the ability to speak and how someone thinks and feels.

In its statement, Adcock Ingram said: “Efforts to prevent stroke or minimise the risk should include adherence to a healthy diet, physical activity and the avoidance of tobacco. Together with these healthy living measures is the need to identify and deal with any of the lifestyle diseases that may increase the likelihood of someone experiencing a stroke.”

The Heart and Stroke Foundation announced these startling facts:

● 80% of heart disease and strokes can be prevented;

● 225 South Africans die of heart disease every day;

● One in three South Africans has high blood pressure; and

● 10 South Africans suffer a stroke every hour. — DDR