HALLE, Germany, March 26 (UPI) -- German scientists say they have determined people with high levels of a certain enzyme who are taking statins are at increased risk of heart attack.
In a study of 1,085 individuals with coronary artery disease, researchers found high levels of an enzyme called phospholipid transferprotein significantly increased the risk of heart attack in the subset of patients taking statins.
The scientists, led by Dr. Axel Schlitt of Martin Luther University in Halle, Germany, said that while follow-up studies will be needed, their findings suggest levels of PLTP in the blood should be a consideration for potential statin treatment.
PLTP is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol-containing molecules such as LDL and HDL and therefore has been associated with atherosclerosis and heart disease, the researchers said. In the study, although statin patients experienced a lower overall rates of heart attack, some individuals are at higher risk than normal. Schlitt and his colleagues hypothesize the high PLTP levels may blunt the beneficial effects of statins.
The research appears in the April issue of the Journal of Lipid Research.
