Publication:

Study of lipid and non-lipid effects of statins in hypertensive patients

Background Hypertension is one of the commonest diseases affecting the mankind which is associated with endothelial dysfunction and left ventricular dysfunction and hence the study is aimed to observe the effects of statins on endothelial and left ventricular dysfunction.

Methods 15 hypertensive patients were given atorvastatin for 4 weeks and compared with sex and aged matched 15 controls after a detailed Clinical history, clinical examination, biochemical investigations, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and Doppler study of brachial artery.

Results Both study group and control group consisted of 10 males and 5 females who have dyslipidemia, endothelial and ventricular dysfunction. After a 4 weeks of study, in study group, flow mediated brachial artery diameter (FMD%) increased significantly (11.39%, P<0.01) from 7.37% to 18.76%, mean LV systolic function (EF) improved significantly (10.73%, P:<0.01) from 54.6% to 60.65%, LV diastolic function was normalized in 7 (46.67%) and improved in 5 (33.33%) patients, the mean systolic and diastolic BP decreased significantly (12.03%, P<0.01, 10.29%, P<0.01) from 149.66mmHg to 131.66mmHg and from 90.66mmHg to 81.33mmHg respectively, while in control group FMD increased marginally (1.07%) from 7.50% to 8.57%, LV EF marginally improved (1.47%) to 54.86% from 54.06%; no improvement in diastolic dysfunction, mean systolic and diastolic BP decreased marginally (6.25%, 0.74%) from 149.33 mmHg to 140mmHg and from 90.33mmHg to 89.66mmHg respectively.

Conclusions Statins improve not only lipid profile but also endothelial and LV functions which resulted in significant reduction of systolic and diastolic BP. Hence it is reasonable to treat all hypertensive patients with statins besides concurrent hypertension treatment.