What are the effect of statins really on cardiovascular disease?

Improved outcomes: For many cardiovascular diseases, abnormal lipid metabolism seems to play an important role in disease progression. Statins mitigate these adverse effects by lowering the exposure by reducing the ldl-c levels, but also by non-lipid effects loosely termed as pleiotropic effects, which may involve, amongst other effects, anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Google these terms for further clarification.