The role of statins in endothelial dysfunction in hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
Hypertension and dyslipidemia frequently coexist, and endothelial dysfunction is associated with the pathophysiology of both atherosclerosis and hypertension. Evidence is convincing for an overlapping role of oxidative stress, renin-angiotensin system activation, and dyslipidemia in the genesis of endothelial dysfunction.


RESULTS
Ample experimental and human data suggest that common cellular pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, increased vascular resistance, and plaque formation. Multiple interventions such as dietary modification, exercise, antioxidants, and antihypertensive drugs improve endothelial dysfunction in hypertension. Statin drugs are a cornerstone of dyslipidemia therapy. Studies have demonstrated that statins correct endothelial function and vascular stiffening and may be useful in reducing blood pressure to target levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Statins may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of hypertension in patients with dyslipidemia and possibly those with normal cholesterol levels.
Sarkar
Kunal
K
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Center, Little Rock, 72205, USA.
Sinha
Anjan K
AK
Mehta
Jawahar L
JL
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004548:Elasticity; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016877:Oxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D016877:Oxidants