Background: Hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis are known to influence the mechanical properties of the arterial tree. Statins may alter the arterial distensibility because they decrease plasma cholesterol level and inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) provides an indirect, non-invasive measurement of the mechanical properties of the arteries.
Aim: The evaluation of the influence of statin therapy on arterial elasticity in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
Material and methods: The study group consisted of 46 patients with angiographically documented, clinically stable coronary heart disease and with high normal plasma cholesterol level. They were randomized into Group I--23 patients who received placebo and Group II--23 patients who received statin therapy. Before and following 6 months of treatment PWV was evaluated using a computer system--COMPLIOR. In each patient carotid-femoral PWV was measured. For automatic measurement of PWV pressure waveforms were digitized at rate 500Hz for carotid-femoral distance.
Results: After 6-month therapy with statin a significant decrease of PWV was observed. (from 12.28 +/- 2.81 m/s to 8.84 +/- 1.79 m/s, p < 0.01). This result may be explained by beneficial effect of statins on the degree of plaque growth. The alternative explanation may be the influence of statins on vascular remodelling.
Conclusion: Statin therapy may improve arterial distensibility in patients with high normal plasma cholesterol and stable coronary artery disease.