Cure Pancreatitis With Cholesterol Drug

Cholesterol Drug

One of the cholesterol-lowering drugs, statin, which is widely prescribed to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke has an unexpected benefit. A recent research found that statin could protect people from pancreatitis. The disease have caused about 25,000 people hospitalized and 950 people dying per year.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis occurs when the enzymes produced in the pancreas become active within the pancreas, causing damage to the organ. During normal digestion, pancreatic enzymes are not actively engaged through pancreatic duct and move into the small intestine, where the enzymes become active and help the digestion of food. In pancreatitis, the enzymes become activated while still in the pancreas, causing inflammation and signs or symptoms associated with pancreatitis.

With recurrent attacks of acute pancreatitis, pancreatic damage will occur and cause chronic pakreatitis. Injury to cells in the pancreas leads to loss of function. Poor functioning of the pancreas can cause problems in digestion of food and diabetes.

The study, led by Dr.David Preiss from the University of Glasgow analyzed 16 studies. The researchers  observed people who were known at risk of pancreatitis because the level of triglyceride or fat in the bloodstream was high.

The study found that the risk of pakreatitis of the respondents who used statin was lower 21 percent compared to the patients taking placebo or traditional drugs such as fibrates. In Jama medical journal, the research team stated in patients with high triglyceride level, statin worked better to prevent inflammation of the pancreas.

In addition, the researchers noted patients with high triglyceride level should begin to change their lifestyle pattern. Regular exercise and eating healthy foods is the key for those who have a high fat content.