Effect of atorvastatin on hs-CRP in acute coronary syndrome

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT
• Markers of inflammation are being investigated as predictors of coronary ischaemic events. All major statins have shown almost similar and significant efficacy in reducing C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but atorvastatin was used in a high dose (80 mg).
• This study was designed to evaluate the effect of a lower dose (20 mg) of atorvastatin on hs-CRP concentrations in patients with ACS.
WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS
• A lower dose of atorvastatin (20 mg) was effective in decreasing hs-CRP and LDL concentrations in as short a duration as 4 weeks. The use of a lower dose of atorvastatin in patients of ACS can offer an attractive approach for early treatment of ACS patients.  

AIMS

To evaluate the effect of a lower dose (20 mg) of atorvastatin on hs-CRP concentrations in patients with ACS.  

METHODS

Group A ( n  = 50) patients received atorvastatin 20 mg day⁻¹ for 4 weeks in addition to standard anti-anginal treatment. Group B ( n  = 50) patients received standard anti-anginal treatment without atorvastatin.  

RESULTS

hs-CRP concentrations decreased in both groups, but the decrease was greater in group A. The decrease in hs-CRP was also significantly greater in the subgroups of smoking, hypertension and past history of cardiovascular disease with atorvastatin.  

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a lower dose (20 mg) of atorvastatin can offer an attractive approach for early treatment of patients with ACS.