Tokgözoğlu Lale
Department of Cardiology, Medicine Faculty of Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2009 Mar;37 Suppl 2:11-6.
Atherosclerotic vascular disease is characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation resulting from detrimental effects of several risk factors on vascular structure, including dyslipidemia. The disease progresses slowly and insidiously resulting in acute coronary syndromes when the plaque ruptures. The plaques having a high propensity to rupture are defined as vulnerable. The vulnerability of the plaque is determined by several factors such as its lipid content, degree of inflammation, strength of the fibrous cap, degree of apoptosis, necrosis, and neovascularization. The patient's risk profile and characteristics are also related to the vulnerability of plaques. The main aim in preventive cardiology is to prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques or to stabilize the existing plaques to decrease cardiovascular events. Lifestyle modifications, reduction in risk factors, and some pharmacologic measures can improve plaque stabilization. Statins contribute to plaque stabilization by their lipid lowering and pleiotropic effects. Several studies have shown that, with statin treatment, the plaque becomes more stable, resulting in a decrease in cardiovascular events. This review summarizes the studies about plaque-stabilizing effects of atorvastatin.
动脉粥样硬化性血管疾病的特征是炎症和脂质堆积，这是包括血脂异常在内的多种危险因素对血管结构产生有害影响的结果。该疾病进展缓慢且隐匿，当斑块破裂时会导致急性冠状动脉综合征。具有高破裂倾向的斑块被定义为易损斑块。斑块的易损性由多种因素决定，如脂质含量、炎症程度、纤维帽强度、细胞凋亡程度、坏死程度和新生血管形成情况。患者的风险状况和特征也与斑块的易损性相关。预防心脏病学的主要目标是预防动脉粥样硬化斑块的形成或稳定现有斑块以减少心血管事件。生活方式的改变、危险因素的降低以及一些药物措施可以改善斑块的稳定性。他汀类药物通过其降脂和多效性作用有助于斑块稳定。多项研究表明，使用他汀类药物治疗后，斑块变得更加稳定，从而导致心血管事件减少。本综述总结了关于阿托伐他汀斑块稳定作用的研究。
