The Use of Statins To Lower Cholesterol Help Lung Function In Emphysema Patients
December 28th, 2007 | by David Reiner, M.D. | 
Smoking is responsible for causing a significant amount of lung disease, noteably emphysema and chronic bronchitis. This study investigated whether Statin drugs(cholesterol lowering medication in the class HMG coA reductase inhibitors) which appear to have anti-inflammatory properties, also have the ability to preserve lung function in current and former smokers.
A group of patients that included smokers and ex-smokers at the Oklahoma City VA hospital who had lung function testing done 6 months apart were analyzed. Approximately half of the patients, 215 of 418, were receiving a statin drug. Statin users had a significantly lower decline in lung function compared to the group not receiving this drug. This benefit held true irrespective of whether the patients were present smokers or ex-smokers. Additionally, a lower incidence of respiratory related medical care was needed for the group taking statin drugs.
This study highlights the need for additional studies to be done looking at the anti-inflammatory properties and alternative protective effects of cholesterol lowering medications such as lipitor, zocor, crestor, mevacor, pravachol and others.
Reference: Keddissi JI et al, Chest 2007; 132:1764-1771.
Tags: bronchitis, emphysema, Smoking, Statins