The Effects of Statins on the Reduction of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Adult Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Authors

Biana Miller, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Family Medicine

Advisor

Elyce Watkins

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the reduction of cardiovascular outcomes with statins, in patients with Diabetes.

Method: Data was collected from review articles and randomized controlled trials. A PubMed literature search was conducted with keywords diabetes, cardiovascular prevention, HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, and statins. This search was limited to the last 5 years, articles in English, adult patients, clinical trials, and reviews articles. The articles used included primary and secondary prevention. A total of 10 articles were used as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: Evidence-based studies and review articles were reviewed, and they demonstrated correlation in the reduction of myocardial infarctions and strokes in diabetic patients being treated with statins. Statins have a moderate reduction on cardiovascular disease, as reported in primary and secondary prevention studies.

Conclusion: According to the 2020 National Diabetes Statistics Report, 34.2 million people, or 10.5% of the United States population, are currently living with diabetes.1 Dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease in this population. Statins are widely used as lipid-lowering agents in diabetics and non-diabetics. While they reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in all patients, the reduction in diabetics is been more pronounced.2 It is important to use statins in primary as well as secondary prevention of CVD in this patient population. Correct management can lead to less MI’s and subsequent heart failure as well as stroke, all of which cause significant morbidity and mortality to the patients.

Recommended Citation

Miller B. The Effects of Statins on the Reduction of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Adult Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(2).