Effects of lipid-lowering therapy on coronary atherosclerotic plaque evaluated by intravascular imaging

The progression of atherosclerotic plaque is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). With the help of intravascular imaging, such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), it is possible to show the details of the plaque morphological characteristics. Current research suggested that lipid-lowering drugs lead to plaque stabilization and regression mainly by reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This review focuses on the effects of lipid-lowering therapy on coronary atherosclerotic plaque evaluated by intravascular imaging.