title: Statins in coronary bypass surgery: rationale and clinical use.
abstract: Statin therapy prevents the first occurrence and recurrence of coronary events and reduces cardiovascular and general mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. These compounds modulate a variety of processes involved in the pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis and vascular graft disease by lipid-dependent and lipid-independent (pleiotropic) mechanisms. As a result, statins produce angiographic and clinical benefits in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. We review the present knowledge about the effects of statins on this pathologic condition and the evidence supporting an early treatment initiation.
authors.affiliation: Atherosclerosis Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: José Pablo
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Werba
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tremoli
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Massironi
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Camera
authors.forename: Aldo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cannata
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alamanni
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Biglioli
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Parolari
mesh_terms: D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors