Prescribing statins to patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: real cardiovascular benefits outweigh theoretical hepatotoxic risk

Cardiovasc Ther. 2009 Fall;27(3):216-20. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-5922.2009.00088.x. Epub 2009 Jun 23.

Abstract

Statins are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the western world and play a significant role in reducing cardiovascular risk. However, concern regarding their hepatic safety profile has meant that patients with concurrent liver pathology are often denied such benefits. In this review we consider the evidence for and against the prescription of statins to patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a group typically associated with high cardiovascular risk. Contrary to current opinion, we find that there is considerable evidence for and little evidence against the prescription of statins to this population and suggest that the guidelines advising against their use in these patients should be reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / epidemiology*
  • Drug Prescriptions
  • Fatty Liver / drug therapy*
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Hemodynamics / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Risk

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors