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HMG CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) and aortic valve calcium

David M Shavelle1, Junichuro Takasu, Matthew J Budoff

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6422, USA.

Lancet (London, England)
|April 12, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Statins may slow the progression of aortic valve calcium (AVC) accumulation in patients with calcific aortic valvular disease. This study found statin use was associated with significantly reduced AVC accumulation rates and progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Calcific aortic valvular sclerosis/stenosis lacks pharmacological treatment.
  • Aortic valve calcification is linked to lipoprotein deposition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG COA) reductase inhibitors (statins) in slowing aortic valve calcium (AVC) accumulation.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 65 patients undergoing two electron-beam computed tomography scans.
  • Comparison of AVC accumulation rates between patients on statins and those not.

Main Results:

  • Patients on statins showed a 62-63% lower median rate of AVC accumulation (p=0.006).
  • 44-49% fewer patients on statins had definite AVC progression (p=0.043).

Conclusions:

  • Statins may represent a potential therapeutic strategy to decrease AVC accumulation.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy of statins in managing calcific aortic valve disease.

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