Inhibition of platelet aggregation and expression of alpha granule membrane protein 140 and thromboxane B2 with pravastatin therapy for hypercholesterolemia.

The drugs in the group of the "statins" lower blood lipids, especially cholesterol, thereby reducing a risk factor for, and diminishing the incidence of, clinically important cerebrocardiovascular events. Cardiovascular events and stroke are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in China and the United States. Statins reduce platelet-mediated thrombus formation and atherosclerotic progression through mechanisms not completely elucidated.