The role of statins in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors associated with higher risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease and diabetes. Its prevalence is about 20% to 30% among adults worldwide and is increasing. The primary goal is reduction of CV risk through lifestyle changes and drug therapy if required. Post hoc analyses of prospective trials showed the benefit of lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with the metabolic syndrome. Statin therapy exerts beneficial effects not only by lowering LDL cholesterol but also via its so-called pleiotropic effects. These effects seem particularly important for reducing risk of CV disease in patients with the metabolic syndrome. Thus, evidence is accumulating that statins are very effective therapeutic agents in the treatment of individuals with the metabolic syndrome.