Nazanin Zafaranloo, MD

Patients who survive an acute coronary syndrome are at much higher risk of a recurrent event within the following month than patients with stable coronary syndromes. Statin therapy lowers the risk of recurrent events for many years but also reduces the risk of another event within the weeks to months following the initial acute coronary syndrome. The mechanisms that contribute to this benefit are likely related to improved endothelial function, decreased vascular inflammation, and reduced prothrombotic factors. Observation studies show an early reduction in mortality with statin therapy started before discharge from the hospital after an acute coronary syndrome.