Effects of atorvastatin on lipid profile and coagulation parameters

Abstract

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and is associated with impaired endothelial function, hypercoagulability, and increased platelet activation. The ability of statins to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with CAD may not be due entirely to their lipid-lowering effects. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of atorvastatin on lipid profile and coagulation parameters. Methods: Adults with documented hypercholesterolemia who did not respond to dietary intervention alone and had not been treated pharmacologically were enrolled. In accordance with the criteria of the American Heart Association guidelines, patients began therapy with atorvastatin 10 mg/d. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), clot retraction time (CRT), and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) levels were determined at baseline and at week 12 of treatment. Results: A total of 8 men and 11 women (mean age, 57.2 ± 10.0 years; range, 43–77 years) were included in the study. Significant reductions from baseline in TC (baseline, 259.5 ± 29.3 mg/dL; week 12, 186.2 ± 39.9 mg/dL; −28%) and LDL-C (baseline, 177.5 ± 24.5 mg/dL; week 12, 115.6 ± 35.0 mg/dL; −34%) were observed at the end of the study ( P < 0.001). TG and HDL-C levels did not change significantly ( P > 0.05). CRT was shortened but remained within the normal range ( P < 0.05). t-PA levels decreased significantly (baseline, 9.6 ± 3.4 ng/mL; week 12, 6.5 ± 3.5 ng/mL; P < 0.001), whereas PT, aPTT, and fibrinogen levels did not change significantly. Conclusions: The data from this study suggest that treatment with atorvastatin decreases t-PA levels and CRT as well as lipid levels. The reduction in t-PA and CRT may be a result of improvements in previously impaired endothelial function and coagulation.