Introduction

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide.¹Even in India, a recent surge has been noticed in the prevalence of CHD (from 10.19% in 1991-94 to 13.91% in 2010-12).²The mainstay of pathogenesis of CHD fundamentally involves building up of atherosclerotic plaques inside the arterial wall which leads to narrowing of the arterial lumen and finally, diminished blood flow. The development of cholesterol plaques in the arterial walls has conventionally been linked to dyslipidemia.^3-7 Dyslipidemia is defined as irregularities in plasma concentration of cholesterol lipoprotein lipids, such as an elevated total cholesterol or increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or decreased concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Recent population based studies in India documented an increase in the prevalence of dyslipidemia in either gender and across all inhabitations and socio-economic strata.^8-11 Consequently, a significant portion of the Indian population faces a high risk of developing atherosclerosis and as a result, the incidence of cardiovascular morbidities may flare up in our country in the forthcoming years.¹²

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) have always remained the mainstay of pharmacotherapy for preventing atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arterial walls, unless found absolutely contraindicated in certain cases. Thus, their efficacy has been proved in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in several studies.^13-15

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Samya Dutta

Post Graduate Trainee, Department of Pharmacology, Burdwan Medical College, West Bengal