Comparison of atorvastatin and simvastatin in the treatment of patients with carotid atherosclerosis

Objective To investigate the preventive effect of atorvastain and simvastatin on cerebral infarction in patients with carotid atherosclerosis,and to compare the effect on liver function.Methods One hundred and sixty cases of carotid atherosclerosis were randomly divided into two groups,they were given different statins therapy.Atorvastatin group were given atorvastatin calcium 20 mg per night,and simvastatin group were given simvastatin tablets 40 mg per night.The incidences of cerebral infarction and abnormal liver function by using atorvastatin or simvastatin were observed.Results During 1 year treatment,the incidence of cerebral imfarction(χ2=4.74,P0.05) and abormal liver function(χ2=4.10,P0.05) had statistical significance difference between atorvastatin group and simvastatin group.Conclusion Compare with atorvastatin,simvastatin has a stronger stabilization of carotid plaque,it should decrease the incidence of cerebral infarction and abnormal liver function.