The Role of Statins in Modulating Subclinical Inflammatory Markers in Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon

Abstract

Coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is characterized by slow coronary blood flow in the absence of significant stenosis, and its pathophysiology is associated with endothelial dysfunction, microvascular abnormalities, and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of statin therapy on subclinical inflammatory markers in CSFP patients. This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with CSFP by using coronary angiography. The patients were divided into statin and control groups based on the initiation of statin therapy. Inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) were assessed at baseline and 3 months later. At baseline, NLR, PLR, SII, and SIRI levels were comparable between the 2 groups. After 3 months, these markers were significantly lower in the statin group. In the statin group, the NLR, PLR, SII, and SIRI levels significantly decreased from baseline, whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. The reduction in inflammatory marker levels was more pronounced in patients receiving high-dose statins. Statin therapy is associated with reduced subclinical inflammation in CSFP, supporting the inflammatory basis and therapeutic value of statins.