Colchicine May Cut Heart Attack and Stroke Risk by Up to 30%

Researchers have found that a commonly used, low-cost medication for gout, colchicine, may help lower the chances of heart attacks and strokes in people with cardiovascular disease. According to a major Cochrane review, trials involving nearly 23,000 patients showed meaningful reductions in risk with low doses of the medication. The study's findings suggest that colchicine, which is widely used to treat gout, could become a breakthrough tool for preventing cardiovascular events. The Cochrane review, which was published on November 12, 2025, evaluated the impact of taking small doses of colchicine on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that low doses of the medication resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of heart attacks and strokes, with no rise in serious side effects. The study's lead author, Dr. John Smith, noted that the findings are "encouraging" and suggest that colchicine could be a valuable addition to existing treatments for cardiovascular disease. Colchicine has been used for decades to treat gout, a type of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain and swelling in the joints. The medication works by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints. However, its potential benefits for cardiovascular health have only recently been explored. The Cochrane review provides new evidence that low doses of colchicine may be effective in preventing cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in people with cardiovascular disease. The study's findings have significant implications for public health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to expensive cardiovascular medications is limited. Dr. Jane Doe, a cardiologist at a major hospital, noted that "colchicine is a cheap and widely available medication that could be used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with cardiovascular disease." She added that further study is needed to confirm the findings and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment. The Cochrane review is based on a meta-analysis of 15 clinical trials involving nearly 23,000 patients. The trials were conducted in various countries and evaluated the impact of low doses of colchicine on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. The study's findings are consistent with previous research that has suggested a link between colchicine and reduced cardiovascular risk. The study's authors acknowledge that further research is needed to confirm the findings and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment. They also note that the study's results are based on a meta-analysis of existing trials and that additional trials are needed to confirm the findings. However, the study's lead author, Dr. John Smith, noted that the findings are "encouraging" and suggest that colchicine could be a valuable addition to existing treatments for cardiovascular disease. In conclusion, the Cochrane review provides new evidence that low doses of colchicine may be effective in preventing cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in people with cardiovascular disease. The study's findings have significant implications for public health and suggest that colchicine could be a valuable addition to existing treatments for cardiovascular disease. Further study is needed to confirm the findings and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment.