The use of Statins in the perioperative period

3 Hydroxy 3 Methyl Glutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitors’ (statins) are increasingly being used in patients with cardiovascular disease. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend their use in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Patients on preoperative statins will frequently present for surgical procedures. The increase in adverse cardiovascular outcomes in high risk patients if statins are withheld in the immediate postoperative period should be weighed against the small but serious risk of rhabdomyolysis associated with statins. The potential for drug interactions should be considered when prescribing for patients on statins.