Progression of Vascular Calcification Is Increased With Statin Use in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of statin use on progression of vascular calcification in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and abdominal aortic artery calcification (AAC) was assessed according to the frequency of statin use in 197 participants with T2DM. RESULTS: After adjustment for baseline CAC and other confounders, progression of CAC was significantly higher in more frequent statin users than in less frequent users (mean ± SE, 8.2 ± 0.5 mm(3) vs. 4.2 ± 1.1 mm(3); P < 0.01). AAC progression was in general not significantly increased with more frequent statin use; in a subgroup of participants initially not receiving statins, however, progression of both CAC and AAC was significantly increased in frequent statin users. CONCLUSIONS: More frequent statin use is associated with accelerated CAC in T2DM patients with advanced atherosclerosis.