Effect of atorvastatin on hs‐CRP in acute coronary syndrome

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Markers of inflammation are being investigated as predictors of coronary ischaemic events. All major statins have shown almost similar and significant efficacy in reducing C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but atorvastatin was used in a high dose (80 mg). • This study was designed to evaluate the effect of a lower dose (20 mg) of atorvastatin on hs‐CRP concentrations in patients with ACS. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • A lower dose of atorvastatin (20 mg) was effective in decreasing hs‐CRP and LDL concentrations in as short a duration as 4 weeks. The use of a lower dose of atorvastatin in patients of ACS can offer an attractive approach for early treatment of ACS patients. AIMS To evaluate the effect of a lower dose (20 mg) of atorvastatin on hs‐CRP concentrations in patients with ACS. METHODS Group A (n = 50) patients received atorvastatin 20 mg day−1 for 4 weeks in addition to standard anti‐anginal treatment. Group B (n = 50) patients received standard anti‐anginal treatment without atorvastatin. RESULTS hs‐CRP concentrations decreased in both groups, but the decrease was greater in group A. The decrease in hs‐CRP was also significantly greater in the subgroups of smoking, hypertension and past history of cardiovascular disease with atorvastatin. CONCLUSIONS The use of a lower dose (20 mg) of atorvastatin can offer an attractive approach for early treatment of patients with ACS.