Prognostic Importance of CRP for Statin Users

C-reactive protein and LDL-cholesterol reductions achieved during statin therapy each were independently associated with improved outcomes.

Statins clearly lower LDL-cholesterol levels and, thereby, reduce cardiovascular risk. Some evidence suggests that statins' anti-inflammatory properties also play a role in this risk reduction. To test that possibility, researchers analyzed levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, among 3745 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients (mean age, 58; 22% women) enrolled in the PROVE-IT trial. In PROVE-IT, subjects randomized to receive 80-mg atorvastatin experienced significantly fewer cardiovascular events during 2 years of follow-up than did those randomized to 40-mg pravastatin (Journal Watch Cardiology Apr 16 2004). The current study was funded partly by pravastatin's manufacturer.

Reductions in LDL levels correlated weakly …

Reviewing Author

Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM