Powerful cholesterol drug cuts heart attack risk by 31%

2 pointsposted 8 hours ago
by brandonb

3 Comments

brandonb

8 hours ago

This study tested a relatively new drug, PCSK9 inhibitors, which lower LDL cholesterol/ApoB above and beyond what's possible with statins and ezetimibe.

The patient population was 3600 people with high-risk diabetes, but not atherosclerosis. So they're at elevated risk compared to the average person.

PCSK9 inhibitors are still expensive (about $1,800 per year), with pretty limited insurance coverage. But this will likely change as the evidence builds.

JoeAltmaier

8 hours ago

From 7% population to 5%. Sounds like a little or a lot, depending how you present the statistic.