Progression of vascular calcification is increased with statin use in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT)

Diabetes Care. 2012 Nov;35(11):2390-2. doi: 10.2337/dc12-0464. Epub 2012 Aug 8.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of statin use on progression of vascular calcification in type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Research design and methods: Progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and abdominal aortic artery calcification (AAC) was assessed according to the frequency of statin use in 197 participants with T2DM.

Results: After adjustment for baseline CAC and other confounders, progression of CAC was significantly higher in more frequent statin users than in less frequent users (mean ± SE, 8.2 ± 0.5 mm(3) vs. 4.2 ± 1.1 mm(3); P < 0.01). AAC progression was in general not significantly increased with more frequent statin use; in a subgroup of participants initially not receiving statins, however, progression of both CAC and AAC was significantly increased in frequent statin users.

Conclusions: More frequent statin use is associated with accelerated CAC in T2DM patients with advanced atherosclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aortic Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / chemically induced*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Vascular Calcification / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors