Extensive investigation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors,
also known as statins, has established not only the profound lipid-lowering effects
of these agents, but it has also confirmed the role of lipid-lowering therapy, in
general, in the prevention of acute coronary events. The early benefit of statins
demonstrated in primary- and secondary-prevention trials suggested mechanisms of action
beyond lipid lowering, and prompted further investigation into their effects on the
pathophysiology of atherosclerotic disease. Growing evidence points to the ability
of statins to alter the structure of plaques and reduce inflammatory activity, making
plaques more stable and less vulnerable to rupture. Statins have also been shown to
restore impaired endothelial function.
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© 2001 Excerpta Medica Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
