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Int J Cur Sci Res. 2011; 1(2): 47 - 56.
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International Journal of Current Scientific Research
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Review article
The role of statin drugs in combating cardiovascular diseases
Suresh Pichandi a*, Palanisamy Pasupathib, YY Raoc, Farook Jc, Athimoolam Ambikab,
Babu Shankar Ponnusha b, Sathiyamoorthy Subramaniyamd, Rajaram Virumandye .
a* Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Annapoorana Medical College & Hospital, Salem, Tamil Nadu, INDIA
b Department of clinical Biochemistry & cDepartment of Cardiology , KG Hospital and Post Graduate Medical Institute, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
d Korean Ginseng Center and Ginseng Genetic Resource Bank, Kyung Hee University, 1 Seocheon, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 449-701, South Korea.
e Professor, Institute of Anatomy,Madurai medical college, Madurai. 625 020,Tamil Nadu, India.
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Keywords:
Cardiovascular disease
Hyperlipidaemic patients
statin drugs
Statins clearly confer substantial benefit in people with established cardiovascular (CV)
disease. Increased cholesterol levels have been associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD),
and statins are therefore used in the prevention of these diseases. Studies have found that the
ability of a particular statin to lower or reduce LDL is proportional to the amount it can increase
HDL levels. This review article will focus on the effective role of statin in cardiovascular disease
and comparison was made between various classes of statin drugs.
© Copyright 2011. CurrentSciDirect Publications. IJCSR - All rights reserved.
1. Introduction
Statins (or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are a class of drug
used to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-
CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of
cholesterol in the liver. Increased cholesterol levels have been
associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and statins are
therefore used in the prevention of these diseases. Randomized
controlled trials have shown that they are most effective in those
already suffering from cardiovascular disease (secondary
prevention), but they are also advocated and used extensively in
those without previous CVD but with elevated cholesterol levels
and other risk factors (such as diabetes and high blood pressure)
that increase a person's risk.A number of statins are on the market:
atorvastatin (Lipitor and Torvast), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin
(Mevacor, Altocor, Altoprev), pitavastatin (Livalo, Pitava),
pravastatin (Pravachol, Selektine, Lipostat), rosuvastatin
(Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor, Lipex)(Table.1)[1].
* Corresponding Author : Mr.Suresh Pichandi
Assistant Professor
Department Of Biochemistry, Annapoorana Medical College & Hospital
Salem,Tamilnadu,India. Email ID: [email protected]
Phone No: 9894421782
© Copyright 2011. CurrentSciDirect Publications. IJCSR - All rights reserved.
1.2.Naturally-occurring statins
Some types of statins are naturally occurring, and can be found
in such foods as oyster mushrooms and red yeast rice.
1.3.Indications and uses
Some types of statins are naturally occurring, and can be found
in such foods as oyster mushrooms and red yeast rice.
1.3.Indications and uses
On average, statins can lower LDL cholesterol (so-called "bad
cholesterol") by 1.8 mmol/l (70 mg/dl), which translates into a
60% decrease in the number of cardiac events (heart attack,
sudden cardiac death) and a 17% reduced risk of stroke after long-
term treatment. They have less effect than the fibrates or niacin in
reducing triglycerides and raising HDL-cholesterol ("good
cholesterol"). Clinical practice guidelines generally recommend
that the patient has tried "lifestyle modification", including a
cholesterol-lowering diet and physical exercise, before statin use is
considered; statins or other pharmacologic agents may then be
recommended for patients who do not meet their lipid-lowering
goals through diet and lifestyle approaches.