Statins help millions lower cholesterol. But for those who can’t tolerate them, finding another option can be challenging. A new analysis from a Cleveland Clinic-led study shows bempedoic acid can lower cholesterol, reduce heart attacks and lower the risk of serious blood clots. The findings were published in JAMA Cardiology. Bempedoic acid differs from statins because it doesn't activate until it reaches the liver. It limits the drug’s effects on muscle, or other tissues or organs, reducing the likelihood of side effects. Our new analysis looked back at a 2023 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cardiovascular outcomes study involving 13,970 participants across 32 countries. Participants were statin intolerant and either had established heart disease or were considered at high risk. Patients were randomized to receive either oral bempedoic acid 180 mg or placebo once daily. In the new analysis, researchers found that more than three years later, patients treated with bempedoic acid were 42% less likely to experience a significantly lower incidence of venous thromboembolism or VTE. VTE is a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood through your veins. “Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are significant contributors to cardiovascular-related illness and deaths,” said Luke Laffin, M.D., senior author and medical director of the Cleveland Clinic Coordinating Center for Clinical Research. “While statins and PCSK9 inhibitors have previously demonstrated reduced VTE risk, the effect of bempedoic acid on VTE was unknown, until now. This is another added benefit to a population of patients who require statins but suffer troublesome side-effects.”