It is no secret that cardiovascular disease is both extremely common and serious. Chances are, you have been affected by cardiovascular disease in some way or another, whether it is personally or through a loved one. It should be unsurprising, then, to know that such conditions are researched tirelessly by experts in the medical field as they seek to understand, prevent, and treat these horrible diseases.
While progress has been made in the former two categories, the latter has seen tremendous strides in recent years thanks to the persistence and ingenuity of researchers. A perfect example of this creativity can be seen in a recent study that tested the effect of gout medication on the recovery of those who have suffered heart attacks.
Why did the researchers choose this particular drug and what were the results? Read on to find out!
The Study
Inflammation plays a significant role in cardiovascular diseases and events, prompting medical professionals to consider anti-inflammatory medication as a possible treatment for those who have recently experienced a heart attack. To test this theory, nearly 5,000 patients who had experienced a heart attack within 30 days were recruited.
Of these participants, approximately half were assigned to the control group that received placebo medication; the other half received colchicine, an anti-inflammatory gout medication. All participants were tracked for about two years before the data was examined and the results were compared.
The findings were as interesting as they were potentially groundbreaking. The risk of ischemic cardiovascular events in those who received the gout medication was significantly lower than those who received the placebo. This is, of course, exceptionally positive news for those who have suffered a heart attack.
It is important to note, however, that there were some negative side effects associated with the gout medication. Those included in the colchicine group experienced diarrhea at a higher rate than those in the placebo group. Worse, the colchicine group had an increased risk of pneumonia—a serious adverse event.
What it Means
Lower risk of ischemic cardiovascular events is a big deal and a huge step forward in the treatment of those who have recently experienced heart attacks. Not only are the results tangible in the immediate sense, but they also confirm a link between anti-inflammatory medication and reduced risk of cardiovascular events.
As such, this study sets the groundwork for future studies to build upon. A solid correlation has been proven, not researchers can move forward with even more treatment techniques. It may even lead to heart attack prevention methods!
While living with heart ailment can be distressing but if managed properly you can prevent serious complications. If you are looking for a cardiologist for treatment please contact Peak Heart which is one of the leading providers for heart and vascular services.
