Plaque Reduction / CVD
Statins - HELPFUL Multiple studies have indicated that statins can lead to atherosclerotic plaque regression, achieving a reduction in total atheroma volume ranging from 0-20%, compared to around a 10% plaque progression observed in control groups. This has been evidenced in studies by Brown et al, 2004 ; Nasu et al, 2006 ; Tani et al, 2007 ; and Nozue et al, 2013 . The ASTEROID trial (2006) demonstrated a 6.1% reduction in total atheroma volume with rosuvastatin 40mg over 24 months in 507 patients. Further evidence of plaque regression with statin therapy was shown in the SATURN (2011) , COSMOS (2009) , and IBIS-4 (2015) trials. Notably, high-intensity statins such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin were more effective in reducing plaque than lower doses, as observed in the REVERSAL (2004) , SATURN , and JAPAN-ACS (2009) trials. Additionally, statin therapy has been found to increase fibrous and calcified plaque volumes while decreasing noncalcified, fibrofatty, and necr