Objective: To investigate the effects of
pravastatin on atherosclerotic plaque and cardiovascular events. Methods: Fifty
seven patients with coronary artery disease (44 male and 13 female, 58.4±11.3 years) were randommized into pravastatin and control groups. The patients in pravastatin group were administered 10 mg of pravastatin from the night of coronary angiography day. After 7.3 months (mean) of follow up, plasma lipid parameters and coronary angiograph were repeated. Results: (1) A favorable effect on plasma lipid parameters was found. After administration, total
cholesterol(TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL C) and triglyceride(TG) reduced by 15.0% ( P <0.01), 18.0% ( P <0.01) and 6 0%, respectively. High density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL C) increased by 10.6%. However, in control group, TC and LDL C showed a tendency to reduce, but no significant difference was found between those of pre and post administration. (2)There was no significant difference in luminal diameter between pre and post administration in both groups. (3) Cardiovascular events in pravastatin group was significantly lower than those in control ( P <0.05). (4) Pravastatin had no significant effect on HR, BP and left ventricular ejection fraction in both groups. Conclusion: Pravastatin can stabilize coronary atherosclerostic plaque and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events by improving plasma lipid parameters. <