Cited 16 times since 2007 (0.9 per year) source: EuropePMC Stroke, Volume 38, Issue 4, 1 1 2007, Pages 1374-1376 Pravastatin decreases wall shear stress and blood velocity in the internal carotid artery without affecting flow volume: results from the PROSPER MRI study. Box FM, van der Grond J, de Craen AJ, Palm-Meinders IH, van der Geest RJ, Jukema JW, Reiber JH, van Buchem MA, Blauw GJ, PROSPER Study Group
Background and purpose
Despite speculations, it is unknown whether statins affect wall shear stress (WSS). Therefore, the effect of pravastatin on WSS was investigated.
Methods
In 355 elderly individuals participating in the PROSPER study (follow up after 3 years), the effect of 40 mg pravastatin on WSS was assessed in the internal carotid artery using magnetic resonance imaging.
Results
WSS and blood velocity decreased both in the pravastatin group and in the placebo group but decreased faster in the pravastatin group (P<0.04, P<0.02). Blood volume flow did not differ between the groups.
Conclusions
In elderly subjects, the WSS and blood velocity of the internal carotid artery declines significantly over time and this decline is more pronounced in subjects treated with 40 mg pravastatin compared with the placebo group.
