Statin therapy in South-Asian patients: clinical implications beyond lipid lowering?

Whether used as primary or secondary prevention, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) can lead to a significant reduction in mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular disease. Given the benefit in halting atherosclerotic disease progression in patients with stable and acute coronary syndrome, the potential for use in South-Asians remains largely unreported. As this ethnic group has a high rate of coronary events at a younger age, with more extensive and diffuse atheroma, the authors review the impact of statins in relation to observed lipid profiles, as well as novel markers of vascular disease.