It has been shown that drugs that lower cholesterol is able to improve the chances of survival of COVID-19 patients. It can also reduce their risks of progressing to a more severe disease.
The study has analyzed more than 10.000 people who got admitted to the hospital from all over the country. Scientists have found out that meds called statins, if combined with blood pressure drugs, can reduce COVID deaths by 40%. The percentage was higher for those who took statins alone – 46%, compared to those who took only high blood pressure meds – 27%. The study has also shown that patients taking statins had a 25% lower risk of developing more severe symptoms. Those taking blood pressure meds had an 11% lower risk.
All of these findings applied to people with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. People suffering from these conditions are more likely to take meds in order to get better.
The lead author of the study, Dr Lori Daniels, stated: “Early during the pandemic, there were questions as to whether certain cardiovascular medications might worsen COVID-19 infections. We found that not only are statins and anti-hypertensive medications safe — they may very well be protective in patients hospitalized for COVID, especially among those with a history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease.”
The study was published in the journal PLOS One.
There are also other studies that have found associations between blood pressure-lowering drugs and cholesterol drugs, and the COVID-19 outcomes. Researchers think that these drugs are beneficial, as they reduce inflammation. Otherwise, the inflammation could cause acute respiratory distress syndrome, kidney and heart injury, or blood clots.
