[Statins: from hypocholesteremic drugs to antiatherogenic agents].
AI Summary
Key Findings
Abstract
Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are widely used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. They reduce LDL levels more than other lipid-lowering drugs. Moreover, they are effective in raising HDL and even in reducing triglyceride levels. Statins have an excellent tolerability and safety. Clinical trials in patients with and without ischemic heart disease and with and without high cholesterol levels have demonstrated that statins significantly reduce the relative risk of major coronary events and of total mortality. Other mechanisms independent of LDL lowering may play an important role in the clinical benefits conferred by these drugs and may broaden their therapeutic indications from lipid-lowering to antiatherogenic agents.
Affiliation
Dipartimento di Scienze Cardiovascolari, Università Campus Bio-Medico, Roma, Italia. [email protected]
External References
- PubMed ID:
- 11794851
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