Should standard medical therapy for angina include a statin?
Although a wealth of evidence supports the use of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) in patients with clinically evident coronary artery disease, these agents are still underutilized. Statins are the most effective agents in reducing low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol among lipid-lowering drugs, and studies have recently shown that they improve endothelial function and plaque stabilization, and induce regression of atherosclerotic lesions. This article reviews the most recent evidence and guideline recommendations supporting the use of statins in chronic stable angina pectoris and acute coronary syndromes.
Corti
Roberto
R
Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA.
Fuster
Valentin
V
D000208:Acute Disease; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000592:standards* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000592:standards / Q000627:therapeutic use
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents