Effect of dual antiplatelet therapy combined with atorvastatin on carotid atherosclerotic plaque and myocardial function in elderly patients with coronary heart disease undergoing PCI

Abstract

Objective To observe the effect of dual antiplatelet therapy combined with atorvastatin on carotid atherosclerotic plaque and myocardial function in elderly patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods Sixty-six elderly patients with coronary heart disease who underwent PCI in our hospital between January 2014 and February 2016 were divided into the study group and the control group by the random number table method. Both groups were given dual antiplatelet therapy, and the study group was additionally treated with atorvastatin. The status of carotid atherosclerotic plaque [carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), plaque area (PA)], myocardial function indexes [creatine kinase isoenzyme (CKMB), cardiac troponin I (cTNI)] before and after treatment, and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events during treatment were observed. Results After treatment, IMT and PA in two groups significantly decreased, and IMT and PA in study group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05); the levels of CKMB and cTNI in control group significantly increased, and the levels of CKMB and cTNI in control group were significantly higher than those in study group (P<0.05). The total incidence of adverse cardiovascular events during treatment in study group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Dual antiplatelet therapy combined with atorvastatin can significantly reduce the carotid atherosclerotic plaque and the degree of myocardial damage in elderly patients with coronary heart disease undergoing PCI. Key words: Coronary heart disease; Elderly; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Atorvastatin; Dual antiplatelet therapy