Cholesterol-buster drug 'cuts heart disease risk'

The drugs can reduce the risk of heart attacks by more than a quarter in men, according to researchers at Glasgow University.

People taking the drug for five years were still experiencing the benefits years after they stopped taking them.

Professor Stuart Cobbe, the leading cardiologist on the study said: "The benefit appeared to extend to at least 10 years after the original trial."

The 15-year West of Scotland Coronary Prevention study involved 6595 men from the region, with an average age of 55, who had high cholesterol.

They were recruited between 1989 and 1991. One group was given a placebo and the other pravastatin.

Their health was followed for five years, until 1995, with the results showing that the statin-users had a lower risk of strokes and heart disease.

The latest research, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, examined the same group 10 and 15 years later.

It found that there was a "significant" reduction in coronary problems for people who had taken statins for five years.

Professor Ian Ford, lead author of the study said: "Remarkably, five years of treatment with a statin resulted in 27% fewer non-fatal heart attacks or deaths due to heart disease over the period of 15 years. Over the entire period, deaths due to heart disease were reduced by 22%."

The report adds: "We now report that during an extended follow-up period of approximately 10 years, there was evidence of an ongoing reduction in the risk of major coronary events among study participants treated with pravastatin in the trial."

Scientists said that the drugs may help to stabilise plaque and slow the progression of coronary artery disease.

One patient to have felt the benefit of the drugs is Edinburgh call centre worker Jack Gordon.

He began taking statins after a heart attack five years ago.

The drugs, coupled with a healthier lifestyle, have helped him "enjoy peace of mind".