Perioperative statins: More than lipid-lowering?

Preliminary evidence indicates that statin drugs may be beneficial when given in the perioperative period. Although more studies are needed to draw firm conclusions, the acute nonlipid pleiotropic effects of statins may improve patient outcomes, especially for patients at the highest risk. KEY POINTS Experiments in animals suggest that statins, given shortly before or after a cardiovascular event, confer benefit before any changes in lipids are measurable. Retrospective and prospective studies indicate that patients with either acute myocardial infarction or acute coronary syndrome who are already receiving statins should not have them stopped, and those who had not been receiving statins should receive them immediately. Most patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or noncardiac vascular surgery should already be receiving a statin. These drugs can also be considered in patients undergoing intermediate-risk nonvascular surgery. Patients who have been receiving statins prior to surgery should not have them stopped for surgery.