Is Lipid Lowering Therapy an Independent Risk Factor for Venous Thromboembolism? A Population-based Case-control Study

Overview

Journal Thromb Res

Date 2015 Apr 21

PMID 25891841

Citations 8

Authors

Aneel A Ashrani

Michel K Barsoum

Daniel J Crusan

Tanya M Petterson

Kent R Bailey

John A Heit

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: The independent effect of lipid lowering therapy (LLT) on venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk is uncertain.

Objective: To test statin and non-statin LLT as potential VTE risk factors.

Methods: Using Rochester Epidemiology Project resources, we identified all Olmsted County, MN residents with objectively diagnosed incident VTE (cases) over the 13-year period, 1988-2000 (n=1340), and one to two matched controls (n=1538). We reviewed their complete medical records for baseline characteristics previously identified as independent VTE risk factors, and for statin and non-statin LLT. Using conditional logistic regression, we tested the overall effect of LLT on VTE risk and also separately explored the role of statin versus that of non-statin LLT, adjusting for other baseline characteristics.

Results: Among cases and controls, 74 and 111 received statin LLT, and 32 and 50 received non-statin LLT, respectively. Univariately, and after individually controlling for other potential VTE risk factors (i.e., BMI, trauma/fracture, leg paresis, hospitalization for surgery or medical illness, nursing home residence, active cancer, central venous catheter, varicose veins, prior superficial vein thrombosis, diabetes, congestive heart failure, angina/myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, smoking, anticoagulation), LLT was associated with decreased odds of VTE (unadjusted OR=0.73; p=0.03). When considered separately, statin and non-statin LLT were each associated with moderate, non-significant lower odds of VTE. After adjusting for angina/myocardial infarction, each was significantly associated with decreased odds of VTE (OR=0.63, p<0.01 and OR=0.61, p=0.04, respectively).

Conclusions: LLT is associated with decreased VTE risk after adjusting for known risk factors.

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