Generic placeholder image

Current Pharmaceutical Design

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1381-6128
ISSN (Online): 1873-4286

Statin Therapy

Author(s): Colleen G. Koch

Volume 18, Issue 38, 2012

Page: [6284 - 6290] Pages: 7

DOI: 10.2174/138161212803832335

Open Access Journals Promotions 2
Abstract

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors are primarily used to treat dyslipidemia. Yet, these medications have a number of additional important pleiotropic properties that confer patient benefit in terms of reduced cardiovascular morbidity. Investigators have reported that statins may be underutilized in patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures. Periprocedural benefits have been reported both in the short-term as well as with long – term post discharge follow-up period for both surgical and percutaneous coronary interventions. Mechanisms for statin’s demonstrated benefit include improved endothelial function, antiinflammatory properties and stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. While there are well-recognized side effects to statin therapy, its beneficial impact on patient cardiovascular outcomes is clear. Further research is necessary to determine specific patients who would best benefit from preoperative statin therapy, the dose and duration of therapy prior to surgical interventions and the influence of administration following surgery.

Keywords: Statins, inflammation, cardiovascular morbidity, surgery, perioperative outcomes


© 2024 Bentham Science Publishers | Privacy Policy