Effects of simvastatin with or without fenofibrate on echocardiographic findings of patients with coronary artery disease and dyslipidemia: a brief report

Abstract

Background: Various therapeutic protocols have been recommended for treating dyslipidemia, particularly in patients with coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of statin use with or without fenofibrate on echocardiographic findings of patients with coronary artery disease and dyslipidemia.Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 124 patients with coronary artery disease and dyslipidemia in Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran, Iran during 2008 to 2010. The first group of patients (64) received simvastatin (20 mg) and fenofibrate (200 mg) with low lipid diet and exercise while the second group (60) only received simvastatin with low lipid diet and exercise for one year.Results: The mean age of the participants was 54.3±6.5 years. The first group showed significant changes in lipid profile and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), (P<0.05). Left ventricular diastolic function parameters showed no significant changes in both groups upon 12 months of treatment.Conclusion: The results of this study show, one-year treatment by simvastatin and fenofibrate can be effective on lipid profiles, and improve LVEF with resultant positive effect on heart function.

Keywords

• coronary artery disease
• dyslipidemia
• echocardiography
• fenofibrate
• simvastatin