HMG CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) and aortic valve calcium

Lancet. 2002 Mar 30;359(9312):1125-6. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(02)08161-8.

Abstract

There is no known pharmacological therapy for calcific aortic valvular sclerosis or stenosis. Because leaflet calcification occurs in areas of lipoprotein deposition, we hypothesised that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG COA) reductase inhibitors (statins) might slow aortic valve calcium (AVC) accumulation. We retrospectively identified 65 patients who had undergone two electron-beam computed tomography scans at a mean (SD) interval of 2.5 (1.6) years. 28 (43%) patients were receiving statins. Patients who were treated with statins had a 62-63% lower median rate of AVC accumulation (p=0.006) and 44-49% fewer statin patients had definite AVC progression (p=0.043). These findings suggest that statins may decrease AVC accumulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / etiology
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / prevention & control
  • Aortic Valve* / diagnostic imaging
  • Calcinosis / complications
  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Calcinosis / prevention & control*
  • Disease Progression
  • Heart Valve Diseases / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors