Lipitor Reduces Heart Attacks and Strokes in Diabetic Patients

Strategic Insights -

Pfizer's Lipitor significantly reduced heart attacks and strokes in patients with diabetes, according to data from the Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes Study (CARDS). The study, which involved over 2,800 patients with type-2 diabetes, found that patients taking Lipitor had a 37% reduction in major cardiovascular events. Additionally, 48% fewer Lipitor-treated patients experienced strokes compared to those who received placebo, and the overall mortality rate for Lipitor patients was 27% lower than for those on placebo. The study was stopped nearly 2 years earlier than planned due to the significant benefits among patients who took Lipitor.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CARDS study, which involved 2,800 patients with type-2 diabetes, found that patients taking Lipitor had a 37% reduction in major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.
  • 48% fewer Lipitor-treated patients experienced strokes compared to those who received placebo.
  • The overall mortality rate for Lipitor patients was 27% lower than for those on placebo.
  • The study was stopped nearly 2 years earlier than planned due to the significant benefits among patients who took Lipitor.
  • The CARDS study demonstrated that statin therapy can be beneficial for the vast majority of diabetes patients, and that atorvastatin is highly effective and safe.
  • The results of the study support the American Diabetes Association's recommended treatment guidelines, which suggest that adults with type-2 diabetes should be considered for statin therapy regardless of their LDL levels.
  • European cholesterol guidelines also set more aggressive cholesterol goals for patients with diabetes, and recommend that patients with diabetes be treated to the same cholesterol goals as patients with established heart disease.

Statistics:

  • 2,800: The number of patients with type-2 diabetes involved in the study.
  • 37%: The reduction in major cardiovascular events among Lipitor-treated patients.
  • 48%: The reduction in stroke risk among Lipitor-treated patients compared to those who received placebo.
  • 27%: The reduction in mortality rate among Lipitor patients compared to those on placebo.
  • 90%: The percentage of patients with diabetes who are screened regularly for cholesterol levels.
  • 50: The number of countries involved in the Analysis and Understanding of Diabetes and Dyslipidemia: Improving Treatment (AUDIT) survey.
  • 2,000: The number of diabetes specialists surveyed in the AUDIT study.

Sources:

  • NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net
  • American Diabetes Association
  • Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes Study (CARDS)
  • Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial Lipid Lowering Arm (ASCOT-LLA)
  • Analysis and Understanding of Diabetes and Dyslipidemia: Improving Treatment (AUDIT) survey
  • Health & Medicine Week
  • Pfizer Inc.