Statins: another class of antihypertensive agents?

J Hum Hypertens. 2006 May;20(5):320-35. doi: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1002001.

Abstract

The assessment of global cardiovascular risk is an essential step in the management of atherosclerotic disease prevention. Among the risk factors to be addressed are hypertension and hyperlipidaemia; these commonly coexist. A neutral or lipid-friendly antihypertensive agent is probably useful in the presence of lipid abnormalities. Similarly, statins have been shown to decrease cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients. There is also experimental and clinical evidence that statins have blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects. In this review, we discuss the beneficial effects of statins on BP, and provide an overview of the underlying pathophysiology. We also consider the evidence justifying the use of statins in the management of hypertensive patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Hyperlipidemias / drug therapy*
  • Hyperlipidemias / physiopathology
  • Hypertension / drug therapy*
  • Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / drug effects
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors