Rosuvastatin effect on intima media thickness in adult vs elderly patients

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis, particularly carotid atherosclerosis, is a significant cardiovascular risk factor.
• Statins, like rosuvastatin, are established treatments for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
• Asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis requires effective therapeutic strategies, especially in diverse age groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of low-dose rosuvastatin in treating asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.
• To compare the effects of rosuvastatin on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) between adult and elderly populations.
• To determine if age influences the therapeutic response to rosuvastatin in carotid atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 45 patients (21 adults, 24 elderly) with hypercholesterolemia and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis were enrolled in the ACADIM Study.
• Patients received rosuvastatin (10 mg/day) for one year.
• Carotid ultrasound investigation (CUI) was performed at baseline and after one year to measure CIMT.

Main Results:

• Rosuvastatin significantly reduced total and LDL cholesterol (p<0.001) and increased HDL cholesterol (p<0.001).
• A significant regression of carotid atherosclerosis (decrease in CIMT) was observed in both adult and elderly groups (p<0.001).
• The mean decrease in CIMT was significantly greater in adult subjects compared to elderly subjects (p<0.04).

Conclusions:

• Low-dose rosuvastatin effectively reduces CIMT in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.
• The therapeutic effect of rosuvastatin on carotid atherosclerosis is more pronounced in adult subjects than in elderly subjects.
• Initiating treatment for asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis in adulthood may yield more effective outcomes.