Aim: An increase in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) represents an early phase of the atherosclerotic process. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether a reduction in CIMT could be seen with 1-year treatment with rosuvastatin (10 mg/day).
Methods and results: Forty-five patients with hypercholesterolemia and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis on baseline carotid ultrasound investigation (CUI) were examined with repeat CUI after 1 year of treatment (rosuvastatin 10 mg/day). Demographic and lifestyle data were collected. A physical examination was performed, and fasting venous blood samples were obtained. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides decreased significantly (p < 0.001), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly (p < 0.001) during the intervention. The mean decreases in the IMT of the right and left common carotid arteries (CCAs) were 0.29 and 0.26 mm, respectively (p < 0.05 for each). Age and lipid profile parameters were significant predictors of change in CIMT in linear regression analyses after adjustment for established atherosclerosis risk factors.
Conclusions: One-year treatment with rosuvastatin in hypercholesterolemic adults with evidenceof subclinical atherosclerosis significantly reduced the CIMT of both CCAs and improved the lipid and lipoprotein levels.
Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.