Abstract

Background: Stable angina is a debilitating and progressive disease caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries, which in turn affects cardiac perfusion. Statins have a well-established role, modifying symptoms and progression of the disease not only through lipid lowering, but also through pleiotropic effects.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the effect of statins in stable angina pectoris

Method: We performed a systematic review of the literature searching MEDLINE via Pubmed for all studies which examine the possible effects of statins in stable angina pectoris.

Results: Statins have demonstrated favourable modification of both biochemical markers (oxidative stress, inflammatory and coagulation markers/factors) and clinical symptoms (anginal and ischemic) of the disease. These effects have been demonstrated in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo in animals and humans, independently of the lipid lowering effects.

Conclusion: With an excellent safety profile and evidence of efficacy in managing patients with stable angina, statins appear an essential part of the therapeutic armoury against atherosclerotic disease.

Keywords: Stable angina, statins, atherosclerosis, ischaemia, pleiotropic effects, coronary arteries.