Abstract
Background and purpose:
Despite speculations, it is unknown whether statins affect wall shear stress (WSS). Therefore, the effect of pravastatin on WSS was investigated.
Methods:
In 355 elderly individuals participating in the PROSPER study (follow up after 3 years), the effect of 40 mg pravastatin on WSS was assessed in the internal carotid artery using magnetic resonance imaging.
Results:
WSS and blood velocity decreased both in the pravastatin group and in the placebo group but decreased faster in the pravastatin group (P<0.04, P<0.02). Blood volume flow did not differ between the groups.
Conclusions:
In elderly subjects, the WSS and blood velocity of the internal carotid artery declines significantly over time and this decline is more pronounced in subjects treated with 40 mg pravastatin compared with the placebo group.
Publication types
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Randomized Controlled Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Age Factors
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Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Aging / pathology
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Aging / physiology
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Anticholesteremic Agents / pharmacology
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Anticholesteremic Agents / therapeutic use
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Blood Flow Velocity / drug effects
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Blood Flow Velocity / physiology
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Blood Viscosity / drug effects
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Blood Viscosity / physiology
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Blood Volume / drug effects
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Blood Volume / physiology
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Carotid Artery Diseases / drug therapy*
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Carotid Artery Diseases / physiopathology
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Carotid Artery Diseases / prevention & control
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Carotid Artery, Internal / drug effects*
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Carotid Artery, Internal / pathology
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Carotid Artery, Internal / physiopathology
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Carotid Stenosis / drug therapy*
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Carotid Stenosis / physiopathology
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Carotid Stenosis / prevention & control
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Cerebrovascular Circulation / drug effects*
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Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology
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Double-Blind Method
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Female
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Humans
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Male
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Placebos
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Pravastatin / pharmacology*
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Pravastatin / therapeutic use
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Prospective Studies
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Stress, Mechanical
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Time Factors
Substances
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Anticholesteremic Agents
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Placebos
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Pravastatin