Pleiotropic effects of statins

Results of numerous epidemiologic studies indicate that elevated serum cholesterol. especially The LDL fraction, is a major cause of coronary heart disease (CHD). Epidemiologic and angiographic evidence from primary and secondary prevention studies involving several HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) indicate that decreasing elevated serum cholesterol concentration (specifically, LDL-cholesterol) can reduce the incidence of CHD and/or progression of atherosclerosis and results in a decrease in associated morbidity and mortality. It has been esimated that each 196 reduction in LDL-cholesterol concentration may result in a 1% decrease in the incidence of CHD. Furthermore. an analysis of pooled data from primary and secondary prevention studies found that treatment with a statin for a median duration of 5.4 years was associated with a 31% and 21% reduction in The risk of major coronary events and total mortality, respectively. This paper deals with the pharmacology of statins, specially with the pleiotropic effects of these drugs (Rev Med Chile 2008; 136: 775-82).