Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Atorvastatin has been used in the management of dyslipidemia and little is known about the efficacy and safety of high-dose atorvastatin administration for secondary prevention of Major Cardiovascular Events (MACE). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of high-dose atorvastatin on secondary prevention of MACE and adverse events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Pubmed, Embase, Bireme and Cochrane Library Plus databases was performed, with a time scope from 1990 to July 2022. Six randomized clinical trials were included with a total of 29,333 patients who were treated with 80 mg, 10 mg or placebo doses of Atorvastatin where the main outcomes evaluated were Major Cardiovascular Events (MACE), mortality and treatment safety. RESULTS: In the comparative study between the use of Atorvastatin 80 mg and other therapies, a relative risk (RR) of 0.8 (95%CI 0.69-0.92) was found, representing a 20% reduction in risk (RRR) and a number needed to treat (NNT) of 30-55. In the analysis of adverse effects, an RR of 2.37 (95% CI 0.86-6.53) and a number needed to harm (NNH) of 14-19 were observed. The use of 80 mg atorvastatin is associated with similar adverse events at lower doses. CONCLUSIONS: The use of atorvastatin 80 mg is effective in the secondary prevention of Major Cardiovascular Event (MACE). The drug has adverse events that should be taken into account in secondary prevention.