Statins are the most common drugs used in both primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention. They lower plasma cholesterol levels by inhibiting the key enzyme of cholesterol synthesis, 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Statins have positive pleiotropic effects on many other risk factors of CVD, resulting in global reduction of cardiovascular risk. However, significant inter-individual differences in statin tolerability exist, and it is likely that they derive from a significant genetic background [1].
