Statin users less likely to die from severe Covid-19
In a new study from University of California San Diego School of Medicine, researchers have confirmed that patients taking statin medications had a 41 percent lower risk of in-hospital death from Covid-19.
Statins are commonly used to reduce blood cholesterol levels by blocking liver enzymes responsible for making cholesterol. They are widely prescribed: about 93 percent of patients who use a cholesterol-lowering drug use a statin.
"When faced with this virus at the beginning of the pandemic, there was a lot of speculation surrounding certain medications that affect the body's ACE2 receptor, including statins, and whether they may influence Covid-19 risk," said Lori Daniels, MD, lead study author, professor and director of the
Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at UC San Diego Health.
"We thought that statins may inhibit SARS- CoV- 2 infection through their known anti- inflammatory effects and binding capabilities, which could potentially stop progression of the virus."
Researchers analysed anonymised medical records of 10,541 patients admitted for Covid-19 over a nine-month period at 104 hospitals. "We confirmed statins are associated with a reduced risk of death from Covid- 19 among patients hospitalised for Covid-19."
Daniels said it appears most of the benefit is among patients with good medical reasons to be taking statins, such as a history of cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. According to the research team, the use of statins or an anti-hypertension medication was associated with a 32 percent lower risk of death among Covid-19 inpatients with a history of cardiovascular disease or hypertension.
The ACE2 receptor -- the regulatory target of statins -- helps control blood pressure. In 2020, it was discovered that SARS- CoV- 2 virus primarily uses the same receptor to enter lung cells.
"We hope our findings are an incentive for patients to continue with their medication."