Study: Statins may reduce artery blockage after bypass surgery in obese patients

NEW YORK A study published in the Aug. 19 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology indicates that statins may benefit obese people after they have bypass surgery, according to HealthDay News.

Researchers examined outcomes of 1,314 obese people who had received bypass surgery. They found that patients with higher body-mass indexes were more likely to have blocked arteries again.

Among patients who received high doses of a statin drug, however, obesity did not significantly affect blockage. Among those who received low doses, blockage still occurred.

The study was done to help settle disagreement over whether obesity, once developed, is more harmful than not being overweight. The lead researcher in the study said that results of previous studies have gone both ways.