Dr. Joseph Esherick Monthly Blog - May 2011
Initiation of statins during the acute period has been shown to be beneficial during an acute coronary syndrome and immediately following an ischemic stroke. [1,2,3] It is believed that statins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, have pleiotropic properties that have anti-inflammatory effects, improve endothelial function and inhibit the body’s thrombogenic response. The properties are in addition to the lipid lowering effects of statins. These pleiotropic effects are felt to be the principal mechanism by which statins decrease recurrent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events when started acutely during an acute coronary syndrome or immediately after an ischemic stroke. Statins have also been shown in two randomized controlled trials to decrease the incidence of peri-procedural myocardial infarction if started soon before percutaneous coronary intervention or before major vascular surgery. [4,5]