The importance of in-hospital statin therapy for patients with acute coronary syndromes

• Published in: Pharmacotherapy Vol. 23; no. 4; p. 506
• Main Authors: Paradiso-Hardy, Fran L, Gordon, Wendy L, Jackevicius, Cynthia A, Kertland, Heather R, Pearson, Glen J, Pickering, Jennifer L, Poirier, Luc, Semchuk, Bill M, Verret, Lucie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.04.2003
• Subjects: Acute Disease; Animals; Coronary Disease - drug therapy; Hospitalization - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors - adverse effects; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Hyperlipidemias - drug therapy; Syndrome
• ISSN: 0277-0008; 1875-9114
• DOI: 10.1592/phco.23.4.506.32129

Starting lipid-lowering therapy in the hospital, especially with statins, has become an important component in the management of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). It improves outcomes and increases patient motivation and long-term adherence. In addition, discontinuation of statin therapy in patients with ACS after hospital admission is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Recent non-ST elevation ACS guidelines recommend beginning statin therapy, along with dietary intervention, in patients whose low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels exceed 130 mg/dl within 24-96 hours after hospital admission. Various strategies have been developed to aid in the implementation of in-hospital lipid-lowering therapy. Pharmacists can play a valuable role in optimizing drug therapy for dyslipidemia and ensuring long-term adherence.