Effects of fibrates on cardiovascular outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Summary: Cholesterol-lowering drugs known as fibrates have long been debated for their ability to protect the heart. A massive review of 18 clinical trials involving over 45,000 patients clarifies the picture. The study found that while fibrates successfully reduced the risk of heart attacks and other coronary events by about 13%, they did not prevent strokes or reduce the overall risk of death. Interestingly, the drugs showed a protective benefit for the kidneys by reducing protein leakage (albuminuria), though they also caused a harmless rise in creatinine levels. In short: Fibrates help prevent heart attacks and kidney complications, but they are not a cure-all for extending life.