Khaberni - A new review has shown that consuming the common drug "colchicine", used to treat gout, can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with cardiovascular disease.
This review focused on the effects of low doses of "colchicine", without any increase in serious side effects being recorded.
Chronic low-grade inflammation is often a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, leading to repeated heart attacks and strokes. Colchicine is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising option for secondary prevention in these patients.
The review included 12 randomized controlled trials involving about 23,000 people with a history of heart disease or heart attacks or strokes. Participants took "colchicine" for at least six months, with doses of 0.5 mg once or twice a day. Most participants were male (about 80%), and their average ages ranged from 57 to 74 years. Half of the participants received "colchicine", while the other half received a placebo or continued with conventional treatment without adding "colchicine".
The results showed that people who took low doses of "colchicine" were less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. For every thousand people treated, there were nine fewer cases of heart attacks and strokes compared to those who did not take the drug. The most common side effects were mild stomach or digestive system issues, which did not last long.
Dr. Ramin Ebrahimi, the lead co-author from the University of Medicine in Greifswald, Germany, said: "Among 200 people with cardiovascular diseases, where we typically expect about seven heart attacks and four strokes, low doses of colchicine can prevent about two instances of each."
Given that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, "colchicine" represents a promising and inexpensive option for secondary prevention in high-risk patients.
However, evidence remains less clear regarding the effect of "colchicine" on overall mortality rates or the need for procedures like coronary artery revascularization.
The researchers emphasize the need for more studies in these areas.
