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[Simvastatin (40 mg/day) in patients with hereditary hypercholesterolemia: effect on high density lipoprotein

A V Susekov, E Iu Solov'eva, M Iu Zubareva

    Kardiologiia
    |December 21, 2002
    PubMed

    Insights

    Simvastatin therapy significantly increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in patients with low baseline levels. This study demonstrates simvastatin

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Pharmacology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Hereditary type II hypercholesterolemia is characterized by elevated cholesterol levels.
    • Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
    • Simvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effect of simvastatin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
    • To assess the impact of simvastatin on lipid profiles in patients with hereditary hypercholesterolemia.

    Main Methods:

    • A 3-month study involving 15 patients with hereditary type II hypercholesterolemia.
    • Simvastatin was administered at 40 mg/day after a washout period.
    • Blood lipids, liver enzymes, and creatine kinase were monitored at 1 and 3 months.

    Main Results:

    • Simvastatin was generally well-tolerated.
    • In patients with initially low HDL cholesterol, levels increased by 20% after 1 month.
    • Total and LDL cholesterol significantly decreased in patients with both low and normal baseline HDL levels.

    Conclusions:

    • Simvastatin (40 mg/day) effectively lowers LDL cholesterol in hereditary hypercholesterolemia.
    • Simvastatin significantly increases HDL cholesterol in patients with initially low HDL levels.
    • The study confirms simvastatin's role in managing dyslipidemia.
    Abstract

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