The Effect of Atorvastatin on Serum Lipid Levels among Patients with Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Background : Recently, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases has increased in Korea. Hypercho-lesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Atorvastatin (Lipitor±) is prescribed for the treatment of hyperlipidemia in Korea, but its effect has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the lipid lowering effect of atorvastatin in Koreans.

Methods : This study included 82 hypercholesterolemic patients who visited the Department of Family Practice of Ajou University Hospital from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2001. The mean age of the subjects was 47.8 years in the range of 27 to 66 years. Our study included 41 controls and 41 subjects who were administered atorvastatin 20 mg daily for 3 months. Fasting serum lipid levels were measured at baseline and at 3 months. Specific dietary and exercise interventions were not instructed.

Results : At 3 months, the serum total cholesterol and LDL were significantly lower in atorvastatin group than in the control group (Total cholesterol; -5.5±16.7%, vs 25.5±15.8%, P＜0.05, LDL cholesterol; 1.4±28.5%, vs -30.1±28.9%, P＜0.05). The serum triglyceride in atorvastain group showed no significant difference relative to the controls (Control: -5.8±34.2%, Atorvastatin: -3.5±54.8%, P=0.81). But, Serum triglyceride level decreased by -14.3±33.2% in the control and -39.0±23.2% in the atorvastatin group among the patients whose baseline triglyceride level was over 200 mg/dl (P＜0.05). There was no significant differences in HDL-cholesterol (Control: 3.0±22.6%, Atorvastatin: -0.9±18.8%, P=0.38). The effect of atorvastatin was not influenced by age, sex, BMI and other risk factors.

Conclusion : Atorvastatin lowered significantly the serum total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in Korea. Regardless of age, sex, BMI, but had no effect on HDL level.