For a Steep Price, High Risk Heart Attack Patients Can Save Their Own Lives

For about $200 per year, people struggling with high cholesterol are currently able to obtain generic formulations of Lipitor, the statin drug that helps to control cholesterol. Statins are responsible for keeping cholesterol levels under control for countless Americans, but for some patients who have already had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, statins just don’t do enough. This is why the injectable drug Repatha is making big headlines for cutting LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, to extremely low levels in the highest risk patients. Another reason Repatha is catching the attention of the medical community? It costs $14,000 per year!

A Quick Introduction to Repatha

Repatha was approved by the FDA in 2015 for patients who needed a way to manage dangerously high cholesterol levels when statins and lifestyle changes didn’t make any positive impacts. In a study of more than 27,000 heart patients in 49 countries, Repatha was thoroughly investigated for its results and side effects. According to the study report released Friday, Repatha is capable of cutting the median LDL level from 92 down to 30, an accomplishment that is virtually impossible with other medications.

In addition to significantly lowering cholesterol levels, Repatha also decreased the rate of heart attack and stroke by 20 percent. “These data strongly suggest that patients benefit from lower LDL cholesterol well below current targets,” said the study’s lead author, cardiologist Dr. Mark Sabatine of Brigham Women’s Hospital.

The Implications of Repatha

Though it’s not yet affordable for the average American, Repatha does have the ability to reduce future heart attacks and strokes in high-risk patients.  Doctors hope that Repatha can inspire the creation of new guidelines for treatment of high-risk patients in order to potentially save many lives through prevention.

If you have had a heart attack or are considered a high-risk cardiovascular patient,  Cardiovascular Solutions Institute in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida is here to give you the comprehensive cardiovascular care you need to live a long and healthy life. You can speak with the team of doctors at Cardiovascular Solutions Institute to determine if Repatha is a potential solution to your cholesterol problems.