COPD is an umbrella term for a range of progressive chronic lung diseases, such as emphysema and bronchitis, which block the airways and restrict oxyg

October 16, 2007 - Statin Use Improves Survival in COPD Patients.. COPD is an umbrella term for a range of progressive chronic lung diseases, such as emphysema and bronchitis, which block the airways and restrict oxygen flow around the body. COPD is mainly caused by tobacco smoking (90%), it's the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S.A. and is a progressive and irreversible with no cure. Previous reports have shown an elevated risk of ischemic heart disease in COPD patients and since statins are known to reduce ischemic heart disease morbidity and mortality, these agents may be of particular benefit for COPD patients. Statins Reduce COPD Mortality Statin therapy improves survival following an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The finding emerged from a retrospective study of 854 patients (mean age, 70.8 years) who had a COPD exacerbation and who were followed for a mean of 1.9 years. A total of 333 patients died during follow-up. The crude mortality rate per 1000 patient-years was 110 in statin users and 191 in those not using a statin. The use of a statin reduced risk of death by 43%. Treatment with inhaled corticosteroids further increased the survival benefit associated with statin use (Soyseth V, et al. Statin use is associated with reduced mortality in COPD. Eur Respir J. 2007; 29:279-284). Statins (atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), avastatin (Pravachol), mvastatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor)) have proven to be very effective in reducing cholesterol and in reducing the risk of heart attack and death. For this reason, and because they are generally well tolerated, they have become some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. Click on image to enlarge..from "Take Charge of Your Health," http://mercola.com) - Incomplete...