Meta-analysis of the effect of nicotinic acid alone or in combination on cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis

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#atherosclerosis #cardiovascular-diseases #carotid-arteries #cholesterol-hdl #humans

Meta-analysis of the effect of nicotinic acid alone or in combination on cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis

Bruckert et al., 2010 | Atherosclerosis | Meta Analysis

Citation

Bruckert Eric, Labreuche Julien, Amarenco Pierre. Meta-analysis of the effect of nicotinic acid alone or in combination on cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis. 2010-Jun;210(2):353-61. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.12.023

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events in both naïve and statin-treated patients. Nicotinic acid is an attractive option for decreasing residual risk in statin-treated or statin-intolerant patients since it increases HDL-C by up to 20% and decreases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) plasma concentrations. METHODS: We performed a computerized PubMed literature search that focused on clinical trials evaluating niacin, alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering drugs, published between January 1966 and August 2008. RESULTS: Among 587 citations, 29 full articles were read and 14 were eligible for inclusion. Overall 11 randomized controlled trials enrolled 2682 patients in the active group and 3934 in the control group. In primary analysis, niacin significantly reduced major coronary events (relative odds reduction=25%, 95% CI 13, 35), stroke (26%, 95% CI=8, 41) and any cardiovascular events (27%, 95% CI=15, 37). Except for stroke, the pooled between-group difference remained significant in sensitivity analysis excluding the largest trial. In comparison with the non-niacin group, more patients in the niacin group had regression of coronary atherosclerosis (relative increase=92%, 95% CI=39, 67) whereas the rate of patients with progression decreased by 41%, 95% CI=25, 53. Similar effects of niacin were found on carotid intima thickness with a weighted mean difference in annual change of -17 microm/year (95% CI=-22, -12). CONCLUSIONS: Although the studies were conducted before statin therapy become standard care, and mostly in patients in secondary prevention, with various dosages of nicotinic acid 1-3g/day, this meta-analysis found positive effects of niacin alone or in combination on all cardiovascular events and on atherosclerosis evolution.

Key Findings

Among 587 citations, 29 full articles were read and 14 were eligible for inclusion. Overall 11 randomized controlled trials enrolled 2682 patients in the active group and 3934 in the control group. In primary analysis, niacin significantly reduced major coronary events (relative odds reduction=25%, 95% CI 13, 35), stroke (26%, 95% CI=8, 41) and any cardiovascular events (27%, 95% CI=15, 37). Except for stroke, the pooled between-group difference remained significant in sensitivity analysis exclu

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population progression decreased by 41
Sample Size 25
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Carotid Arteries
  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Models, Biological
  • Niacin
  • Odds Ratio
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Regression Analysis
  • Tunica Intima

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: niacin-cholesterol

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09