Effect of atorvastatin on hs-CRP in acute coronary syndrome.

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of a lower dose (20 mg) of atorvastatin on hs-CRP concentrations in patients with ACS. METHODS: Group A (n = 50) patients received atorvastatin 20 mg day(-1) for 4 weeks in addition to standard anti-anginal treatment. Group B (n = 50) patients received standard anti-anginal treatment without atorvastatin. RESULTS: hs-CRP concentrations decreased in both groups, but the decrease was greater in group A. The decrease in hs-CRP was also significantly greater in the subgroups of smoking, hypertension and past history of cardiovascular disease with atorvastatin. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a lower dose (20 mg) of atorvastatin can offer an attractive approach for early treatment of patients with ACS.