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Current Vascular Pharmacology

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ISSN (Print): 1570-1611
ISSN (Online): 1875-6212

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Review Article

Effects of Lipid Lowering Drugs on Arterial Stiffness: One More Way to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk?

Author(s): Andromachi Reklou*, Niki Katsiki, Asterios Karagiannis and Vasilios Athyros

Volume 18, Issue 1, 2020

Page: [38 - 42] Pages: 5

DOI: 10.2174/1570161117666190121102323

Price: $65

Abstract

Arterial stiffness (AS) is considered an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Among lipid lowering drugs, statins have a beneficial effect on AS, independent of their hypolipidaemic effect. Based on 3 meta-analyses and other studies, this effect is compound- and doserelated. Potent statins at high doses are more effective than less powerful statins. Ezetimibe (± statin) also seems to decrease AS in patients with dyslipidaemia. Fibrates have no effect on AS. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have data that beneficially affect all AS risk factors, suggesting a beneficial effect on artery compliance. However, there is no direct measurement of their effect on AS indices. In patients with dyslipidaemia, prescribing high dose statins (± ezetimibe) will not only decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels but also improve AS (in addition to other effects). This effect on AS may contribute to the observed reduction in vascular events.

Keywords: Arterial stiffness, pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, statin, fibrate, ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin/ kexin type 9 (PCSK9), cardiovascular risk.

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