High-intensity Statin Treatment Improves Diabetic Coronary Atherosclerosis

Cleveland Clinic researchers found that high-intensity statin treatment was associated with coronary atheroma regression in patients with or without diabetes, suggesting the therapy may halt the progression of diabetic coronary atherosclerosis. Coronary atheroma volume was measured using serial intravascular ultrasound in patients treated with rosuvastatin 40 mg or atorvastatin 80 mg for 24 months. Patients with diabetes had lower LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels but higher triglyceride and C-reactive protein levels than patients without diabetes. The authors said, "High-intensity statin therapy alters the progressive nature of diabetic coronary atherosclerosis, yielding regression of disease in diabetic and nondiabetic patients." Diabetes Care