The role of statins in reversing atherosclerosis: what the latest regression studies show.
Recent clinical trials confirm that aggressive lipid-lowering therapy with statins decreases low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to well below 100 mg/dL in high risk patients, and prevents cardiovascular events. Similarly, aggressive lipid lowering is being explored as a possible means of promoting regression of atherosclerosis and of affording greater protection from atherosclerotic events. A growing body of evidence indicates that intensive statin therapy, particularly in high risk patients, slows the rate of progression of atherosclerosis compared with moderate therapy, and that reductions of > or =40% in LDL cholesterol are necessary to achieve atherosclerosis regression. Questions remain regarding the extent of regression achieved with statin therapy and whether to dose statins to achieve a specific LDL-cholesterol level or a certain percent reduction; however, ongoing clinical trials may provide insight and guidance.
Division of Cardiology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073, USA.
Cindy L
CL
Grines
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000187:drug effects; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors