Effects of lipid-lowering agents on inflammation, haemostasis and blood pressure.

In addition to the modification of the lipid profile, most lipid-lowering agents appear to modulate other atherogenic pathways. We summarize the effects of lipid-lowering agents on inflammation, hemostasis and blood pressure. We also discuss the potential contribution of these actions on cardiovascular disease prevention. Most lipid-lowering agents appear to exert anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and antihypertensive effects. These pleiotropic actions appear to contribute to the reduction in cardiovascular events and deep venous thrombosis during statin treatment. Regarding other lipid-lowering agents, it is unclear whether their effects on inflammation, thrombosis or blood pressure play a role in their antiatherogenic potential.