Moderate Statin Therapy Does Not Change Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Wall Thickness as Measured by High Resolution Transthoracic Echocardiography

Rebecca Perry, Majo Joseph, Derek Chew, Philip Aylward, Carmine De Pasquale

Research output: Contribution to journalMeeting Abstract

Abstract

Background: Statin therapy has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk post myocardial infarction. Atherosclerotic plaque stabilization and regression are thought to play a role in this risk reduction. Using a novel technique of high resolution transthoracic echocardiography (HRTTE) we sought to assess the statin induced changes in left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) wall thickness in previously statin naive patients over a 12 months period.

Methods: Twenty subjects underwent HRTTE assessment of their LAD wall thickness pre discharge post MI (non LAD territory) and at 3, 6 and 12 months. The LAD anterior and posterior wall thickness and vessel luminal and external diameters were measured. Blood lipid levels were also assessed at each study visit.

Results: Of the 20 subjects all were started on moderate lipid lowering therapy (40 mg of either Atorvastatin or Simvastatin). There was a sustained decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (32% reduction) at the 3 month visit from baseline, with no change in high density lipoprotein level (HDL) (Fig. 1). There was no change in the LAD wall thickness, external or vessel diameter over the 12 months period (Fig. 2).
Original languageEnglish
Article number63
Pages (from-to)S27-S28
Number of pages2
JournalHeart, Lung and Circulation
Volume17
Issue numberSupp 3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
EventCardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting and the International Society for Heart Research, Australasian Section, Annual Scientific Meeting 2008 - Adelaide, Australia
Duration: 7 Aug 200810 Aug 2008

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