Reduction of new coronary events and new atherothrombotic brain infarction in older persons with diabetes mellitus, prior myocardial infarction, and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >/=125 mg/dl treated with statins.
BACKGROUND
We report the incidence of new coronary events and new atherothrombotic brain infarction (ABI) in older men and women with diabetes mellitus, prior myocardial infarction, and a serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of >/=125 mg/dl treated with statins and with no lipid-lowering drug.


METHODS
The incidence of new coronary events and of new ABI was investigated in an observational prospective study of 529 diabetics, mean age 79 +/- 9 years, with prior myocardial infarction and a serum LDL cholesterol of >/=125 mg/dl treated with statins (279 persons or 53%) and no lipid-lowering drug (250 persons or 47%). Follow-up was 29 +/- 18 months.


RESULTS
At follow-up, the stepwise Cox regression model showed that after controlling for other risk factors, the use of statins was associated with a 37% significant independent reduction in the incidence of new coronary events and with a 47% significant independent reduction in the incidence of new ABI.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of statins was associated with a 37% significant, independent reduction in new coronary events and a 47% significant, independent reduction in new ABI in older men and women with diabetes mellitus, prior myocardial infarction, and a serum LDL cholesterol of >/=125 mg/dl. Elderly diabetics with prior myocardial infarction and increased serum LDL cholesterol should especially be treated with statins.
Aronow
Wilbert S
WS
Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine,Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA. WSAronow@aol.com
Ahn
Chul
C
Gutstein
Hal
H
D000368:Aged; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002537:Intracranial Arteriosclerosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors