Statin use in the metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is a condition associated with obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hypercoagulability, and chronic inflammation, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Third National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel extensively discussed the metabolic syndrome because it is a major health issue in the United States due to the national epidemic of obesity. Statins cause significant CVD risk reduction in patients with the metabolic syndrome by alterations in lipid levels and possibly by decreasing inflammation. Because of the increased CVD risk associated with the metabolic syndrome and extensive clinical trial evidence documenting reduction of CVD risk with statin treatment, all patients with the metabolic syndrome should be evaluated as candidates for statin treatment as part of a multidisciplinary approach to reduce CVD risk.