The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor) and
rosuvastatin (Crestor), United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs
commonly prescribed by doctors to lower cholesterol, on certain functions of platelets (cells
that cause blood clots), white blood cells (cells that are responsible for inflammation), and
blood flow regulation by arteries. This is important because we are looking at ways to more
effectively prevent atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in blood vessels) and heart disease. Many
studies have demonstrated that these drugs are effective at reducing inflammation and
stabilizing plaques. We are interested in better understanding the effects of these medicines
on inflammation (pain and swelling) and the mechanism by which they act.
Hypothesis: Atorvastatin (40mg) will reduce inflammatory markers and activity more than
Rosuvastatin (10mg) in spite of equal LDL-C reduction.