Statins and venous thromboembolism: a novel effect of statins?

Statins play a key role in the management of hypercholesterolemia and other dyslipidemias. However, statins exert several other actions, often referred to as 'pleiotropic'. This Editorial looks at the JUPITER trial (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin), examining, in particular, the occurrence of venous thromboembolism in the rosuvastatin and placebo groups, and discussing these findings in the context of the current literature. The authors conclude that statin use could perhaps be associated with reductions in the risk of venous thromboembolism, and call for further appropriately designed studies.