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[Rosuvastatin improves myocardial function and arteriosclerosis plaque in patients with ST-segment elevation after
Ze-peng Lin1, Ping-chun Shu, Zhi-jian Liao
1Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Cardiovascular Hospital, Shenzhen, China. szlinzepeng@163.com
Insights
Rosuvastatin significantly improved heart function and reduced artery thickness in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This statin therapy offers superior benefits compared to simvastatin for cardiovascular recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a critical condition requiring timely intervention.
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a standard treatment for STEMI.
- Assessing the long-term effects of statin therapy on myocardial function and atherosclerosis is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose:
- To compare the efficacy of rosuvastatin versus simvastatin in patients with STEMI after PCI.
- To evaluate the impact of these statins on myocardial function and arteriosclerosis plaque.
- To assess changes in lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and arterial wall thickness.
Summary:
- Sixty-five STEMI patients received either simvastatin or rosuvastatin alongside conventional treatment for 12 months.
- Measurements included lipid profiles, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), echocardiography, and SPECT.
- Rosuvastatin demonstrated more significant reductions in cholesterol, inflammatory markers, and intima-media thickness (IMT) compared to simvastatin.
Impact:
- Rosuvastatin therapy significantly improved the function of the surviving myocardium.
- Rosuvastatin effectively reduced intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery, indicating plaque stabilization.
- These findings suggest rosuvastatin is a beneficial therapeutic option for STEMI patients post-PCI, enhancing cardiovascular recovery and reducing atherosclerosis progression.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of rosuvastatin on the functions of the surviving myocardium and arteriosclerosis plaque in patients with ST-segment elevation after acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Methods:
Sixty-five STEMI patients were randomized to receive 40 mg simvastatin (n=32) or 10 mg rosuvastatin (n=33) before sleep in addition to conventional medications. Before PCI and after the 12-month medications, the plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured, and echocardiography and (99)Tc(m)-MIBI single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were performed to assess the therapeutic effects.
Results:
At the end of 12 months, the patients in simvastatin group showed significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, CRP, TNF-α, and (99)Tc(m)-MIBI uptake fraction. In rosuvastatin group, these reductions were even more obvious; the intima media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery was reduced significantly after a 12-month rosuvastatin therapy, but almost remained unchanged after simvastatin therapy.
Conclusion:
Rosuvastatin therapy in addition to conventional medications can significantly reduce IMT and improve the functions of the surviving myocardium in patients with STEMI after PCI.
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