Statins trial could benefit rheumatoid arthritis sufferers (UK)

Part of a major UK trial to find out if taking statins could reduce the number of rheumatoid arthritis patients dying of heart attacks and strokes is to be opened in Belfast. According to the Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC), rheumatoid arthritis patients have an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular complications compared to the general population - but few are routinely prescribed the cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins. The charity is urging eligible RA patients registered with Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast to join almost 4,000 people involved in a UK-wide five-year GBP1.1m trial. While based at the University of Manchester, the trial will involve more than 60 rheumatology departments throughout the UK. It is being funded by ARC and the British Heart Foundation. - Belfast Telegraph