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Simvastatin improves arterial compliance in the lower limb but not in the aorta

H Shige1, A Dart, P Nestel

  • 1Baker Medical Research Institute, POB 6492 St. Kilda Road, Vic. 8008, Melbourne, Australia.

Atherosclerosis
|February 27, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol with simvastatin improved peripheral arterial compliance, indicated by reduced peripheral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Central arterial compliance and systemic arterial compliance (SAC) were not significantly affected.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Vascular Physiology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular risk factors, including elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, can negatively impact arterial compliance.
  • The precise effect of reducing LDL cholesterol on arterial distensibility remains uncertain, with previous studies showing minimal impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of lowering LDL cholesterol on systemic arterial compliance (SAC) and pulse wave velocities (PWV).

Main Methods:

  • Twenty hypercholesterolemic subjects were randomized to receive either simvastatin (20 or 40 mg daily) or a placebo for 4 weeks.
  • Arterial function was assessed by measuring systemic arterial compliance (SAC) and central (aorto-femoral) and peripheral (femoral-posterior tibial) pulse wave velocities (PWV).

Main Results:

  • Simvastatin significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 39%, plasma triglycerides by 18%, and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 12%.
  • Peripheral PWV showed a significant improvement (greater compliance) after simvastatin treatment (P<0.03).
  • No significant changes were observed in systemic arterial compliance (SAC) or central PWV.

Conclusions:

  • LDL cholesterol lowering with simvastatin improved peripheral arterial compliance, likely due to the muscular nature of the peripheral arterial bed.
  • Central arterial compliance and systemic arterial compliance, reflecting the elastic aorta, were not influenced by LDL reduction.
Abstract

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