Colchicine Shows Promise in Reducing Heart Attack and Stroke Risks

A new Cochrane review reveals that colchicine, a low-cost medication traditionally used to treat gout, may significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Researchers evaluated data from 12 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 23,000 individuals with a history of heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Participants took low doses of colchicine, typically 0.5 milligrams once or twice daily for at least six months.

The results showed that those taking colchicine experienced fewer heart attacks and strokes overall. Specifically, for every 1,000 individuals treated with colchicine, nine heart attacks and eight strokes were avoided compared to those not receiving the drug.

Dr. Ramin Ebrahimi, co-lead author from the University Medicine Greifswald in Germany, noted that in a group of 200 patients, using low-dose colchicine could prevent about two heart attacks and two strokes, which could significantly impact patients with ongoing cardiovascular risks.

The majority of participants in these trials were male, with an average age ranging from 57 to 74 years, and half received colchicine while the others were given either a placebo or no additional medication.

The review indicated that no serious adverse events were noted among those taking colchicine, although mild gastrointestinal discomfort was reported more frequently. Dr. Lars Hemkens, senior author from the University of Bern in Switzerland, emphasized the importance of repurposing an established, low-cost drug for new therapeutic uses, highlighting the potential for colchicine in preventing further heart problems in high-risk patients.

However, the report also raises questions about whether colchicine affects overall mortality rates or reduces the need for invasive procedures like coronary revascularization. Moreover, the trials did not assess the drug's impact on quality of life or hospital stay durations, indicating that further research is necessary to fill these gaps in understanding.