The Effect of Atorvastatin on Carotid Atherosclerosis Plaque in Hypertensive Patients Complicated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective To explore the effect of atorvastatin on carotid atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods One hundred twenty-two hypertensive patients complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly to receive atorvastatin (10 mg/d, n=62) and conventional treatment group (n=60) . hs-CRP, lipoproteins(a) LP(a), total cholesterol(TC), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were determined. Carotid intima-medial thickness (IMT), incidence of carotid plaque were measured by ultrasound before and after 6 months treatment in all patients. Results hs-CRP(8.8±1.6 vs after treatment:6.2±1.3 mg/L), IMT(1.24±0.13 vs after treatment:0.98±0.19 mm), accumulate score of carotid plaque(6.2±0.6 vs after treatment:5.1±0.4 mm), the prevalence rate of carotid plaque(82.3% vs after treatment:69.5%) were all significantly reduced after atorvastatin treatment (all P0.01). The correlation analysis revealed hs-CRP level was related to the improved level of carotid arteriosclerosis. Conclusion Atorvastatin improves the carotid arteriosclerosis and inflammatory reaction, promoting stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque in hypertensive patients complicated with type 2 DM.