Safflower Yellow Combined with Pitavastatin Calcium for Preventing Carotid Plaque Formation in Patients with Cerebral Infarction

Abstract

This study compared the difference between safflower yellow combined with pitavastatin calcium or with atorvastatin in preventing carotid plaque formation in cerebral infarction patients. Patients with acute cerebral infarction were randomized into groups A and B. Group A received safflower yellow and atorvastatin, while Group B received safflower yellow and pitavastatin calcium for 15 days. Both groups were evaluated for the efficacy of treatment after 6 months. Compared to the group receiving pitavastatin calcium, the atorvastatin group had lower serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and inflammatory factors, and a higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the effect of treatment on other markers such as whole blood viscosity, fibrinogen, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (P > 0.05). However, the incidence of adverse reactions was higher in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). To sum up, safflower yellow combined with pitavastatin calcium for cerebral infarction patients can effectively reduce carotid plaque area and improve lipid levels, inflammation, and hemorheology.