Beneficial effects of statins in coronary artery disease--beyond lowering cholesterol.

OBJECTIVE: To review the benefits of statins in coronary artery disease management beyond their cholesterol-lowering effects. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1966-May 2000) was conducted using the following terms: lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, cerivastatin, endothelium, plaque stabilization, antithrombotic effects. STUDY SELECTION: English-language human studies and case reports. DATA EXTRACTION: Studies published demonstrating other mechanisms of statins' clinical beneficial effects were evaluated and reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: The understanding of the pharmacologic effects of statins has led to the realization that the benefits of these agents extend beyond simply lowering cholesterol. These properties include beneficial effects on vessel endothelial tissue; decreased low-density lipoprotein oxidation and inflammation; ability to stabilize atherosclerotic plaques and perhaps promote regression; proliferative effects on smooth-muscle growths, possibly strengthening atherosclerotic plaques; antithrombotic effects by inhibiting platelet aggregation and stimulation of fibrinolytic factors; and improvement of blood viscosity and flow. With these actions, statins may benefit the situation of long-term atherosclerotic plaque formation and the setting of acute coronary syndrome.
CONCLUSIONS: Further large-scale studies are needed to determine the clinical importance and validity of these postulated beneficial effects of statins.