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Long-term treatment effect of atorvastatin on aortic stiffness in hypercholesterolaemic patients

Athanasios G Kontopoulos1, Vasilios G Athyros, Anthimos N Pehlivanidis

  • 1Atherosclerosis Unit, Aristotelian University and Hippocration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Current Medical Research and Opinion
|March 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Atorvastatin significantly reduced aortic stiffness in hypercholesterolemia patients over two years. This lipid-lowering treatment may serve as an efficacy marker for cardiovascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • Aortic stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events.
  • Statins, like atorvastatin, are primary agents for lipid-lowering therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of atorvastatin on aortic stiffness.
  • To assess changes in lipid profiles and cardiac function.
  • To determine if aortic stiffness can guide aggressive treatment in hypercholesterolemia.

Main Methods:

  • 36 hypercholesterolemic patients (without hypertension or diabetes) received atorvastatin 20 mg/day for 2 years.
  • Aortic stiffness was measured using transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and after 2 years.
  • Lipid parameters and left ventricular function were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Atorvastatin treatment significantly reduced aortic stiffness by 14% (p=0.019).
  • Significant improvements were observed in lipid profiles, including a 46% reduction in LDL-C.
  • Left ventricular ejection fraction increased by 13% and LV mass index decreased by 9%.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term atorvastatin therapy effectively improves aortic stiffness in hypercholesterolemic patients.
  • Aortic stiffness assessment may help identify patients requiring aggressive lipid-lowering treatment.
  • Aortic stiffness could become a valuable biomarker for the efficacy of statin therapy.
Abstract

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