Study: Statins May Reverse Atherosclerosis

Data from four U.S. clinical trials suggests statin use can reverse coronary atherosclerosis under certain conditions.

The review conducted by the Cleveland Clinic found statin therapy is associated with regression of coronary atherosclerosis when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is substantially reduced and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is increased.

But the Cleveland Clinic researchers said it remains undetermined whether such atherosclerosis regression will translate to meaningful reductions in cardiovascular events.

Stephen Nicholls and colleagues investigated the relationship between changes in lipoprotein levels and lipid deposits in the inner lining of the artery that can obstruct blood flow in patients with coronary artery disease who were treated with statins.

The scientists say their findings may have important implications for the management of patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The research is detailed in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.