How long does it take for statins to reverse plaques in arteries?

How long does it take for statins to reverse plaques in arteries?

It takes several months of statin intake for producing true regression of plaques, that too in only a few cases. More often it produces plaque stabilization and prevent progression. It can be detected by intravascular ultrasound and coronary angiogram in case of coronary arteries. Intravascular ultrasound is the best modality to study a plaque within an artery. In case of superficial arteries like carotids, an external ultrasound evaluation can also determine the change in thickness of the plaque. Thermography is a modality used to detect temperature changes in a plaque which may indicate a vulnerable plaque.