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[Effect of atorvastatin treatment on the hemorheologic and hemostatic parameters in chronic cerebrovascular patients]

László Szapáry1, Beáta Horváth, Zsolt Márton

  • 1Pécsi Tudományegyetem, Altalános Orvostudományi Kar, Neurológiai Klinika, Pécs. laszlo.szapary@aok.pte.hu

Orvosi Hetilap
|June 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Low-dose atorvastatin improves hemorheologic parameters and reduces platelet aggregation in cerebrovascular patients. This statin therapy offers benefits beyond lipid lowering for stroke prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cerebrovascular diseases are associated with altered hemorheologic and hemostatic parameters.
  • Statin therapy, including atorvastatin, is crucial for ischemic stroke prevention.
  • Potential lipid-independent mechanisms of statins warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the effects of atorvastatin on stroke prevention, hemorheologic parameters, and hemostasis.
  • To investigate the short-term impact of low-dose atorvastatin on hemorheologic parameters, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet aggregation.

Main Methods:

  • 27 chronic cerebrovascular patients with hyperlipidemia received 10 mg atorvastatin daily.
  • Measurements included serum lipids, hemorheologic parameters (viscosity, red blood cell aggregation/deformability), and platelet aggregation.
  • Endothelial dysfunction (von Willebrand factor activity) was assessed before and after treatment.

Main Results:

  • Atorvastatin significantly reduced total cholesterol (28%) and LDL-cholesterol (38-40%).
  • Improved whole blood viscosity and red blood cell deformability were observed.
  • Significantly decreased collagen-induced platelet aggregation and improved von Willebrand factor activity were noted.

Conclusions:

  • Atorvastatin exhibits complex beneficial effects extending beyond lipid reduction.
  • Short-term, low-dose atorvastatin therapy improves hemorheologic parameters, platelet aggregation, and endothelial function.
  • These findings support atorvastatin's role in managing cerebrovascular disease through multiple mechanisms.
Abstract

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