Statins and kidney health: exploring cardiovascular benefits, renal protection, and risks in chronic kidney disease

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are major global health concerns, with CKD significantly amplifying cardiovascular mortality. Statins, widely used to manage hyperlipidemia, are recognized for their lipid-lowering properties and additional benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and plaque-stabilizing effects. This review explores the multifaceted role of statins in cardiovascular and renal protection, particularly among CKD patients. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes evidence from clinical studies assessing the cardiovascular and renal outcomes of statin use in patients with CKD. It examines the effects of statins across various clinical scenarios, demographics, and comorbidities, with a focus on their impact on cardiovascular events, renal function. Results: Statins significantly reduce all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with mild to moderate CKD, with evidence supporting their efficacy across diverse populations. Trials such as JUPITER and the Heart Protection Study highlight their cardiovascular benefits and potential to stabilize kidney function. In surgical settings, statins show promise in mitigating acute kidney injury through inflammatory pathway modulation. However, their impact on renal outcomes, such as proteinuria, albuminuria, and glomerular filtration rate, is inconsistent. High-dose statins, especially in advanced CKD, may carry risks including hematuria or rhabdomyolysis, particularly with improper dosing or drug interactions. Safety depends on statin type, dose, and renal function. Additionally, statins reduce the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and slow CKD progression in select populations, though variability in study designs limits generalizability. Conclusion: Statins provide substantial cardiovascular benefits for CKD patients, but their renal effects remain uncertain. Future research should aim to optimize treatment strategies, including personalized regimens, to balance cardiovascular protection and renal safety effectively.