Effects of statin therapy on vascular dysfunction

Coron Artery Dis. 2004 Aug;15(5):227-33. doi: 10.1097/01.mca.0000132583.04711.47.

Abstract

Dyslipidemia and vascular inflammation play critical roles in the onset of acute coronary syndromes including myocardial infarction. Recent advances in cardiovascular medicine demonstrate that lipid-lowering therapy by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) prevents acute coronary complications, probably by limiting inflammation in atheroma. Although a number of studies have suggested various effects of statins on vascular dysfunction independent of lipid lowering, the clinical benefits of such effects are not established as yet.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Artery Disease / drug therapy
  • Coronary Artery Disease / pathology
  • Coronary Disease / drug therapy
  • Coronary Disease / metabolism
  • Coronary Disease / physiopathology
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Vascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Vascular Diseases / physiopathology

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors