Dynamics of indices of vascular stiffness and lipid metabolism in patients with coronary heart disease during treatment with high-dose atorvastatin
Objective. To estimate the effects of treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg daily on lipid profile, C-reactive protein and the structural and functional arterial properties in patients with proven coronary artery disease. Methods. The effects of 24 weeks of treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg on lipid metabolism, ALT, AST, CK, CRP, the thickness of the intima-media carotid artery were studied in 25 patients (22 men and 3 women) aged 35 to 71 years (mean age 56,5 ± 9,01 years) with established coronary artery disease and dyslipidemia. Endothelial function was examined by ultrasound. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by volume sphygmography, the daily parameters of arterial stiffness were studied. Results. A significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and CRP was observed. The absence of dynamics of hepatic transaminases shows the safety of the therapy. Atorvastatin therapy significantly reduces the intima-media thickness and allows to achieve the improvements of endothelial function. The improvement of arterial elastic properties according to the volume sphygmography and the reducing of aortic augmentation index, based on the daily monitoring of arterial stiffness were marked. Conclusion. The intensive treatment by atorvastatin in patients with proved coronary artery disease, along with a pronounced positive effect on the lipid profile is accompanied by a regression of active inflammation in the vascular wall, improvement of the structural and functional arterial properties.