Researchers say they've proven a theory about heart disease: Lowering inflammation might be just as important as cutting cholesterol levels.
A new study shows an anti-inflammatory drug reduces the risk of heart attack and strokes, according to the BBC.
The patients in the study by the New England Journal of Medicine all had high levels of inflammation and were already taking medication to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
The new findings may help those who are at risk of dying of heart disease.
News4Jax talked with local Baptist Heart Cardiologist Dr. Pamela Rama, who said the research is promising.
She said inflammation is the only thing that hasn't been addressed in cardiovascular disease. Rama said non-steriodal drugs that reduce inflammation have not been successful in addressing heart disease, heart attacks or stroke. In fact, they show a greater risk of dying in patients who suffer a second or third cardiac event.
Researchers added another medication to the mix, one that targets inflammation.
Volunteers got either a placebo injection or a dose of medication every three months. After three to four years, people who got the highest dose of the drug were least likely to have another heart attack or stroke, or tp die from of heart disease.
These findings will not immediately mean new treatments for heart disease patients. The research will have to be replicated and approved by the FDA.
The problem Rama sees is costs. Right now, the drug used costs about $200,000 per year. She said insurance companies will be unlikely to cover it until it's proven it reduces deaths.
In this study, there was a 15 percent reduction in death. Rama said that's significant and will be further studied.