RESUMO
The aim of this study was to observe the effects of atorvastatin combined with ezetimibe on carotid atherosclerosis in elderly patients with hypercholesterolemia. A total of 84 elderly hypercholesterolemic patients complicated with carotid atherosclerosis were divided into control group (atorvastatin alone) and combined group (atorvastatin combined with ezetimibe) and treated for 12 months. Carotid atherosclerosis-related indicators including blood lipid and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were determined before and after treatment. The levels of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and hsCRP were markedly decreased (P < 0.05) after treatment in the two groups, while the reduction of the levels of CIMT, serum LDL-C and hsCRP was more significant in the combined group (P < 0.01). After treatment, the levels of CIMT, serum LDL-C and hsCRP were distinctly different between combined and control group (P < 0.05). The combination of atorvastatin with ezetimibe could further decrease LDL-C and hsCRP levels and have certain effects on the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in elderly patients with hypercholesterolemia.