Statins in lipid-lowering therapy

The discovery of the inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl- coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (so called statins) is a great step forward in clinical pharmacology and therapeutics. Substantial clinical evidence suggests that statins are effective in the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Recent well-controlled clinical studies also suggest the long-term usage of statins is sale in terms of all causes of mortality, including cancers. The incidence of myopathy, which is a concern of most physicians, is relatively low from new clinical evidence. The effectiveness of statins for prevention of CHD also is shown in diabetics. The mechanisms of prevention of CHD by statins are multifactorial, including reversal of endothelial dysfunction. The cost-effectiveness of using statins in the treatment of CHD and stroke is obvious, which should encourage primary care physicians to treat those patients who need lipid-lowering therapy.