Current thinking in statin therapy

The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are now considered the most pote nt lipid-lowering drugs. Treatment with statins reduces both morbidity and mortality rates due to coronary artery disease. There is now increasing evi dence that the clinical benefits obtained with statins cannot be solely att ributed to a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level. These drugs m ay also have beneficial effects on endothelial dysfunction, LDL oxidation, rheological and thrombogenic factors, cellular inflammation and plaque form ation and stability. Further, there are differences among the various stati ns on these non-lipid variables. The biochemical effects of statins, as wel l as their clinical benefits, should be taken into consideration.