Assistant Professor at the College of Osteopathic Medicine, Institute of Neuro Immune Medicine; VA Hospital, Miami
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. More than half of the cardiovascular deaths are due to atherosclerotic ischemic heart disease. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (Statins) inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver and vascular cells. Because of these effects, statins are indicated in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due coronary atherosclerosis. Statins are also known to disrupt lipid rafts, possibly affecting basic cellular functions such as signal transduction mechanisms, and exocytosis. Sudden discontinuation of statin treatment induces a rebound vascular dysfunc...