RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Numerous studies indicate that statins have also multiple beneficial actions (known as 'pleiotropic actions') on cardiovascular system through the improvement of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, increased arterial thrombosis, and the stabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque. Aortic disease primarily consists of aortic valve stenosis, aortic valve regurgitation, aneurysm disease, and genetic disorders such as Marfan syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve and aortic coarctation. Many studies have revealed the cardio-protective actions of statins in aortic disease. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to present current data concerning present status of treatment with statins in aortic diseases. METHODS: A thorough search of PubMed and the Cochrane Database was conducted in order to identify the majority of studies and novel articles related to their use in aortic disease. RESULTS: Numerous studies in animals and humans indicate a beneficial effect of treatment with statins in the previous conditions apart from a few conflicting data. CONCLUSION: There is a need of further investigation in this field, especially for the estimation of the optimal type and dose of statins required in each clinical condition of aortic disease.
