Statins produce positive outcomes in heart transplant patients

Patients that have undergone a heart transplant could improve their outcome by taking statins, according to a recent study.

Researchers at the University Hospital Zurich claim that the drugs can both reduce the death risk from all causes in those who have received a heart transplant, in addition to preventing cancer.

While the findings are independent of cholesterol levels, they are incredibly promising for patients, who are at a greater risk of mortality.

Cancer is currently the leading cause of death in people who have undergone a heart transplant, with skin cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and lymphoma being the main culprits.

However, immunomodulatory statins can both lower lipid levels and help prevent the development of cancer.

Lead author Dr Frank Enseleit, deputy director of heart failure and transplantation at University Hospital Zurich, explained that following heart transplant patients can safely take statins after six months and should do so for the rest of their lives.

"We have shown that statin therapy prevents cancer in heart transplant recipients and it is known that statins also prevent graft atherosclerosis," he said. "We have to conclude that it should be a lifelong therapy in heart transplant recipients."

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