Should all patients with metabolic syndrome be treated with statins?

Curr Diab Rep. 2006 Feb;6(1):72-6. doi: 10.1007/s11892-006-0055-2.

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome is a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors that include atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, abdominal/truncal obesity, and glucose intolerance. Current National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommendations for specific treatment of the metabolic syndrome are centered on therapeutic lifestyle changes. A recent publication from the NCEP Adult Treatment Panel III suggests pharmacologic intervention for parameters of metabolic syndrome, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia, to prevent cardiovascular disease, based on risk category. This review looks at the clinical trial evidence to support the use of statins in metabolic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis / epidemiology
  • Atherosclerosis / prevention & control*
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Dyslipidemias / epidemiology
  • Dyslipidemias / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Metabolic Syndrome / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Hypolipidemic Agents