Reduction of LDL cholesterol by pravastatin does not influence platelet activation in patients with mild hypercholesterolaemia at risk of coronary heart disease.
The effect of pravastatin on low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and platelet activation was studied in 16 patients with mild hypercholesterolaemia who had two or more additional cardiovascular risk factors. Patients were treated with either pravastatin (20-40 mg day-1) or placebo for 1 year. Plasma LDL and urinary excretion of 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B2 (an index of platelet activation in vivo) were determined at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months. There was a significant reduction in LDL at 6 and 12 months (2P less than 0.05) but this was not associated with any significant change in thromboxane metabolite excretion.
Barrow
S E
SE
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, United Medical School, Guy's Hospitals, London Bridge.
Stratton
P D
PD
Benjamin
N
N
Brassfield
T
T
Ritter
J M
JM
D000368:Aged; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D017035:Pravastatin; D012307:Risk Factors; D013929:Thromboxane B2 / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000652:urine
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D009281:Naphthalenes; D013929:Thromboxane B2; C028965:2,3-dinor-thromboxane B2; D017035:Pravastatin