Preoperative statin therapy prior to coronary bypass surgery improves survival rate

Findings from a study presented at this year's American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting reveal that patients who undergo preoperative statin therapy prior to coronary bypass surgery have a better survival rate.

Statins are drugs typically prescribed to patients with high cholesterol levels. However, they also are shown to be beneficial in reducing inflammation, blood clots and plaques in the arteries. Some positive effects usually occur three to four weeks after statin therapy is started.

"After coronary bypass surgery, patients are especially vulnerable to postoperative graft thromboses," said presenting study author Tuula S. Kurki, M.D, Head of the Preoperative Clinic, Helsinki University Hospital, Finland. "Since statins are proven to help patients who have ischemic heart disease and stenosis in their coronary arteries, it is important to document whether statin therapy prior to surgery can have a positive impact on the recovery and survival rate of coronary bypass patients."