Usefulness of lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to <70 mg/dl and usefulness of C-reactive protein in patient selection.
C-reactive protein levels may identify patients likely to benefit from lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to ultra-low levels. We find that above-average C-reactive protein with statin therapy predicts failure of carotid intima-media thickness regression in those with currently defined optimal LDL cholesterol (<100 mg/dl) but not if LDL cholesterol is <70 mg/dl.
Kent
Steven M
SM
Cardiology Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001, USA. steven.kent@na.amedd.army.mil
Taylor
Allen J
AJ
D000368:Aged; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000187:drug effects; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D017035:Pravastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000187:drug effects; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000187:drug effects
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D011758:Pyrroles; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D017035:Pravastatin