The Pleiotropic Effects of the Hydroxy-Methyl-Glutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors in Cardiovascular Disease

The hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are used extensively in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, and in the long-term prevention of coronary artery disease and stroke. They have also demonstrated a benefit in a variety of other cardiovascular disease processes. These secondary actions are known as pleiotropic effects. An updated discussion on the pleiotropy of statins is provided, and emphasizes the importance of randomized, placebo-controlled trials to further elucidate the potential benefits of these non-lipid-lowering actions in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.