The Effectiveness of Statins in Preventing Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author(s): Rutvij Patel, Abdul Rafay Mahmood, Raheel Chaudhry, Yusuf A. Siddique, Niharika Ryali, Mohammed Abdul Muhaimin Ali, Charishma Parla, Meghana Potluri, Maanavi Potluri, Uzma Nureen, Muhammad Subhan, Muhammad Sohail S. Mirza, M

Introduction:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including coronary artery disease, are leading global causes of morbidity and mortality. Hypercholesterolemia drives atherosclerosis and subsequent events like myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Statins, which lower LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), are widely used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This meta-analysis evaluates statins’ effectiveness in preventing major cardiovascular events in hypercholesterolemia patients.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving >100,000 patients assessed statins’ impact on MI, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. Pooled relative risk (RR) reductions were calculated.

Results:

Statin therapy reduced MI, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality by 30% (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.65–0.75). Adverse effects, including myopathy and new-onset diabetes, were noted, but cardiovascular benefits outweighed risks, particularly in high-risk groups.

Discussion:

The findings affirm statins’ efficacy in primary and secondary prevention. Despite adverse effects, cardiovascular risk reduction supersedes potential harms, especially in high-risk patients. Individualized therapy—considering risk profile, statin type, and intensity—is critical to optimizing outcomes.

Conclusion:

Statins remain the cornerstone therapy for preventing cardiovascular events in hypercholesterolemia. Personalized approaches balancing benefits and risks are essential in clinical practice.