Early Use of Statin–Ezetimibe Combo Could Prevent Thousands of Heart Attacks, Study Finds
Apr 15, 2025


Source: HCPLive
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A new study by Lund University and Imperial College London reveals that initiating a combination of statins and ezetimibe in patients recovering from myocardial infarction (MI) could significantly reduce recurrent heart attacks and cardiovascular deaths. The research suggests a shift in post-MI care pathways to prioritize earlier dual lipid-lowering therapy (LLT).
Key Highlights
Study Design and Population
The study evaluated 35,826 MI patients (median age: 65.1 years) from 2015 to 2022.
Patients were either treated with statins alone or statins plus ezetimibe, with varying initiation times (≤12 weeks, 13 weeks–16 months, or not at all).
Clinical Findings
Early combination therapy group showed the greatest reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) at 1-year follow-up.
The early cohort also had the lowest incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) over 3.96 years.
Risk Analysis Results
Patients who did not receive ezetimibe had a 29% higher risk of MACE compared to the early treatment group.
Cardiovascular death risk was also higher in late and no-ezetimibe groups:
1.64 aHR for late group
1.83 aHR for no-ezetimibe group
Impact on Healthcare
The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) to prevent one MACE:
53 from statin monotherapy to early combo
143 from delayed combo to early combo
Early treatment could have prevented 447 events in the study population.
Quotes from Experts
Prof. Margrét Leósdóttir, Lund University:
“By giving patients a combination treatment earlier, we could help prevent many more heart attacks.”Prof. Kausik Ray, Imperial College London:
“We could save lives and reduce further heart attacks by giving patients a combination of two low-cost drugs. Our study shows the way forward — care pathways must now change for patients after this type of heart event.”The study advocates for a change in standard cardiac care post-MI. Introducing a cost-effective combination of statins and ezetimibe early post-discharge may significantly reduce cardiovascular risks and save lives. Experts are urging global health systems to update treatment guidelines to reflect this new evidence.
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Early Use of Statin–Ezetimibe Combo Could Prevent Thousands of Heart Attacks, Study Finds
Apr 15, 2025


Source: HCPLive
A new study by Lund University and Imperial College London reveals that initiating a combination of statins and ezetimibe in patients recovering from myocardial infarction (MI) could significantly reduce recurrent heart attacks and cardiovascular deaths. The research suggests a shift in post-MI care pathways to prioritize earlier dual lipid-lowering therapy (LLT).
Key Highlights
Study Design and Population
The study evaluated 35,826 MI patients (median age: 65.1 years) from 2015 to 2022.
Patients were either treated with statins alone or statins plus ezetimibe, with varying initiation times (≤12 weeks, 13 weeks–16 months, or not at all).
Clinical Findings
Early combination therapy group showed the greatest reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) at 1-year follow-up.
The early cohort also had the lowest incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) over 3.96 years.
Risk Analysis Results
Patients who did not receive ezetimibe had a 29% higher risk of MACE compared to the early treatment group.
Cardiovascular death risk was also higher in late and no-ezetimibe groups:
1.64 aHR for late group
1.83 aHR for no-ezetimibe group
Impact on Healthcare
The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) to prevent one MACE:
53 from statin monotherapy to early combo
143 from delayed combo to early combo
Early treatment could have prevented 447 events in the study population.
Quotes from Experts
Prof. Margrét Leósdóttir, Lund University:
“By giving patients a combination treatment earlier, we could help prevent many more heart attacks.”Prof. Kausik Ray, Imperial College London:
“We could save lives and reduce further heart attacks by giving patients a combination of two low-cost drugs. Our study shows the way forward — care pathways must now change for patients after this type of heart event.”The study advocates for a change in standard cardiac care post-MI. Introducing a cost-effective combination of statins and ezetimibe early post-discharge may significantly reduce cardiovascular risks and save lives. Experts are urging global health systems to update treatment guidelines to reflect this new evidence.
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Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved