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Rapid effects of simvastatin on lipid profile and C-reactive protein in patients with hypercholesterolemia

Jian-Jun Li1, Ming-Zhe Chen, Xin Chen

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, People's Republic of China. lijnjn@yahoo.com.cn

Clinical Cardiology
|October 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Two-week simvastatin therapy effectively lowers LDL cholesterol and CRP levels in hypercholesteremia patients. The 40 mg dose showed greater reductions in total and LDL cholesterol, indicating rapid vascular endothelium benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Rapid reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and C-reactive protein (CRP) may benefit coronary endothelium in patients with coronary heart disease.
  • Limited data exists on short-term (2-week) statin therapy for hypercholesterolemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of a 2-week simvastatin regimen in rapidly reducing LDL cholesterol and CRP levels in hypercholesterolemia patients.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of common simvastatin dosages in a lipid-lowering protocol.

Main Methods:

  • Forty-two hypercholesterolemia patients were randomized to receive either 20 mg or 40 mg of simvastatin daily.
  • Lipid profiles, CRP levels, and hepatic enzymes were measured at baseline (Day 0) and after 14 days (Day 14).

Main Results:

  • Both 20 mg and 40 mg simvastatin doses significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) and LDL cholesterol compared to baseline.
  • The 40 mg dose yielded significantly greater reductions in TC and LDL cholesterol than the 20 mg dose.
  • Both doses significantly reduced CRP levels in a non-dose-dependent manner, with no significant changes in HDL cholesterol.

Conclusions:

  • Simvastatin, particularly at 40 mg daily, is an effective 2-week treatment for hypercholesterolemia.
  • Rapid reduction of CRP levels with simvastatin therapy offers prompt benefits to the vascular endothelium.
Abstract

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