Abstract
Objective
The effect of statins on coronary artery plaque features beyond stenosis severity
is not known. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is a novel non-invasive method that permits
direct visualization of coronary atherosclerotic features, including plaque composition.
We evaluated the association of statin use to coronary plaque composition type in
patients without known coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing CCTA.
Methods
From consecutive individuals, we identified 6673 individuals (2413 on statin therapy
and 4260 not on statin therapy) with no known CAD and available statin use status.
We studied the relationship between statin use and the presence and extent of specific
plaque composition types, which was graded as non-calcified (NCP), mixed (MP), or
calcified (CP) plaque.
Results
The mean age was 59 ± 11 (55% male). Compared to the individuals not taking statins,
those taking statins had higher prevalence of risk factors and obstructive CAD. In
multivariable analyses, statin use was associated with increased the presence of MP
[odds ratio (OR) 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–1.68), p < 0.001] and CP (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.36–1.74, p < 0.001), but not NCP (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.96–1.29, p = 0.1). Further, in multivariable analyses, statin use was associated with increasing
numbers of coronary segments possessing MP (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.34–1.73, p < 0.001) and CP (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.36–1.70, p < 0.001), but not coronary segments with NCP (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.94–1.25, p = 0.2).
Conclusion
Statin use is associated with an increased prevalence and extent of coronary plaques
possessing calcium. The longitudinal effect of statins on coronary plaque composition
warrants further investigation.
Highlights
- We evaluate association of statin use to coronary plaque composition.
- Statin was associated with increased prevalence of calcified plaque (CP).
- Statin was associated with increasing numbers of coronary segments possessing CP.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 17, 2012
Accepted:
August 1,
2012
Received in revised form:
June 26,
2012
Received:
April 3,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
