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jpt I THE STATIN SCOOP Cholesterol-lowering drug's benefits outweigh possible risks, our expert reports. ONE OF MY heart patients recently asked me if it’s possible for her cholesterol level to get too low. She was concerned after hearing about a recent study that suggested heart patients with lower cholesterol levels might be at a higher risk for devel oping cancer. The study conducted by researchers at Thfts-New England Medical Center and pub lished in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that for every 100 pa tients treated with statin drugs to lower their cholesterol, among those with the lowest cho lesterol levels there was one more case of can cer than among those with higher levels. Studies like this are important because they make doctors think through the poten- tial risks vs. benefits of various therapies that we pre scribe. But before everyone flushes their cholesterol medicine down the toilet, let’s review the study in a lit tle greater detail. The researchers conducted what is called a meta analysis. This means that they didn’t directly study the patients themselves; instead, they reviewed data from many different studies they pooled together (23, in this ease). One strength of a meta-analysis is that it increases the number of patients studied, but a weak ness Is that the data comes from many, sometimes var ied, sources. As a result, the research itself should be kept in perspectiv e. Interpreting studies such as this one can be confus ing for the average person. We all want to do what’s right, and just when we think we’ve got a handle on things, information like this gives cause for pause. To help get a better idea of the risk, I spoke with 8 USA WEEKEND - Sept. 7-9,2007 IIaCII vll By DR. TEDD MITCHELL .^O - W I SCARY STUDY? DR. TEDD CLEARS THE AIR. Scott Grundy, one of the nation’s leading authorities on the subject. He is the director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medi cal School in Dallas. He has spent his entire medical career studying the effects of cholesterol and choles terol treatments. I asked Grundy for his thoughts on low cholesterol levels as they pertain to health. Here’s what he had to say: ‘‘To date, there is no significant evidence that lowering cholesterol from high to low with either diet or medicine causes cancer. Even if there were to be some side effects, the benefit for preventing heart dis ease in high-risk patients far outweighs any adverse effect. Because of this, people being treated for high cholesterol should be as- sured that the known benefits far outweigh any theo retical adverse side effects.” This is good advice. Although it’s important not to ignore findings from new research showing poten tial risks from treatments, it’s also important to sift through the information to see if other sac- I tore might explain the findings. For example, in this study, it’s possible that the increased cancer pg incidence came about because treatment with the % statin drugs enabled the patients to live longer. As with any medicine, people taking statins to * lower their cholesterol need to follow up with their doctor to be sure their treatment program is right for them. As for my heart patient, we discussed the risks and benefits of her medicine, and, when she left my of fice, she took her new prescription with her. Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and medical director of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, writes Health Smart every week Diabetic? Cholesterol drugs may prevent foot damage 50% of diabetics have a serious disorder that can lead to amputation. If you’re diabetic and your feet or hands sting, tin gle or lack sensation, the cause may be nerve dam age, called peripheral sensory diabetic neuropathy. About half of all diabetics have it, says the Ameri can Diabetes Association. The serious condition can lead to ulcers, infections and even amputations. The good news: Research finds that two types of lipid-lowering drugs—statins and fibrates, both used to prevent cardiovascular disease can re duce your risk of developing neuropathy. And if you already have nerve damage, these medicines may slow its progress, says lead researcher Timo thy Davis, M.D., Ph.D., professor of medicine at the University of Western Australia. Other diabetic tips from the researcher • See your doctor Ail diabetics should be checked at least annually for foot problems. If you have symptoms, let your doctor know' right away. Early treatment can help avoid problems. • Check feet frequently, especially if you sus pect problems or your circumstances change (Le., new pair of shoes). Look for sores, cuts and skin breaks. Use a mirror if necessary. • Take care of your feet. Use lotion (but not between toes), wear well-fitting socks and shoes, wash with warm water, and dry off thoroughly. Get therapeutic shoes if needed. Medicare may cover them if you have foot problems. • Work out wisely Some ex ercises strain the feet; stick \. with activities like cycling, . A swimming or rowing, ca X Susan T. Lennon K- CHRISTOPHER THOMAS. GETTY