The results of a retrospective study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology show that the patients with critical limb ischemia who took statins had a significantly lower incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and amputations.

The register of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) from 2006 to 2012 was analized and 380 cases were selected with at least one episode of critical limb ischemia confirmed by angiography with or without endovascular therapy. The average age in the study group was 69 years and the mean follow-up period – 409 days.

The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they are receiving (65%) or not (35%) statins prior to the episode of critical ischemia. The most commonly used statins in the study were simvastatin and atorvastatin.

In the group on statin the frequency of concomitant diseases (diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, carotid stenosis, or stroke) was significantly higher.

Despite the higher comorbidity, after one year of follow up of patients receiving statin, the combined endpoint of myocardial infarction, stroke, and mortality was significantly lower (18%) compared with those who were not taking a statin (23%) before and after the incident of critical limb ischemia.

Interesting here is that the mortality is the main factor that determines the difference in frequency of MACE – 15% mortality in the presence and 21% in the absence of statin therapy

The combined risk of death or amputation of a limb is reduced by half when taking a statin.

The survey results support the recommendations in recent clinical guidelines that the administration of statins is indicated for all patients with PAD, even when the disease is in the final stage.

Despite all the strong evidence of the benefit of statins, only 65% ​​of patients in this retrospective study were taking statins. This indicates that the application of the guidelines for behavior in clinical practice has not yet reached the required level.

Tchaikapharma High Quality Medicines Inc. offers on the Bulgarian market the following statins:

Simvacor (Simvastatin) – CF 710 – 10 mg 

Simvacor (Simvastatin) – CF 711 – 20 mg

Simvacor (Simvastatin) – CF 712 – 40 mg

Atorva (Atorvastatin) – CF 996 – 10 mg 

Atorva (Atorvastatin) – CF 997 – 20 mg