An Ancient Drug’s New Role in Preventing Heart Attacks
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials, involving nearly 15,000 patients, investigates whether the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine can improve outcomes after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The analysis found that colchicine reduced the incidence of recurrent ACS and unstable angina. However, it did not show a meaningful difference in all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. The effect appeared dose-dependent, with a 0.5 mg daily dose potentially reducing adverse cardiovascular events, while higher doses increased gastrointestinal side effects.
Why it might matter to you:
This research directly addresses a core question in acute cardiac care: how to mitigate the risk of recurrent ischemic events after an initial heart attack. For a clinician, understanding the potential benefits and limitations of adjunctive anti-inflammatory therapy like colchicine is crucial for evidence-based management of ACS. It highlights the ongoing need to balance efficacy with safety, particularly regarding dosing, in a common high-risk condition.
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