Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test
06:35

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test

Published on: April 27, 2016

Hypotensive effect of atorvastatin in hypertensive patients: the association among flow-mediated dilation, oxidative

Agnieszka M Tycinska1, Jacek Janica, Barbara Mroczko

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland.

Archives of Medical Science : AMS
|February 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Atorvastatin lowered blood pressure and improved endothelial function in hypertensive patients. This effect was linked to improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD), though the exact mechanisms require further study.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Hypertension is a prevalent condition often associated with endothelial dysfunction.
  • Normolipidaemic hypertensive patients may benefit from interventions targeting both blood pressure and vascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if atorvastatin reduces blood pressure (BP) and enhances endothelial function, assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), in hypertensive patients with normal lipid levels.
  • To explore the relationship between atorvastatin treatment, BP changes, and endothelial function markers.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized crossover study involving 56 hypertensive patients treated with atorvastatin (80 mg/day) or standard antihypertensive therapy for 3 months.
  • Measurements included BP, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant status (TAS), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and peroxide concentrations.
  • Patients switched treatments after 3 months, allowing for a 6-month total study duration.

Main Results:

  • Atorvastatin, when added to existing therapy, decreased BP in both groups.
  • Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) improved significantly in patients receiving atorvastatin, correlating with greater BP reduction.
  • Discontinuation of atorvastatin led to a decrease in FMD and an increase in BP, but changes in FMD were not significantly linked to NO, TAS, ET-1, or peroxide levels.

Conclusions:

  • Atorvastatin demonstrates a hypotensive effect associated with improved FMD in normolipidaemic hypertensive patients.
  • While oxidative stress and endothelial function may play a role, this study did not conclusively demonstrate these mechanisms.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying atorvastatin's vascular benefits in this patient population.
Abstract

Keywords:
arterial hypertensionendothelin-1flow-mediated dilationnitric oxideperoxidestotal antioxidant status

More Related Videos

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome06:04

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators01:23

Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators

Vasodilators, primarily affecting the smooth muscles within arterial and venous walls, are commonly used for hypertension treatment. Medications such as minoxidil and hydralazine primarily target arteries and arterioles, while sodium nitroprusside acts on arterioles and venules. Minoxidil, functioning as a prodrug, is metabolized by hepatic sulfotransferase into its active form, minoxidil sulfate, after oral administration. This metabolite binds to the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) component of...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormone called angiotensin II plays a crucial role. It binds to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscles coupled with Gq proteins. The activation of these receptors activates an enzyme called phospholipase C, which releases two molecules: inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These molecules cause a chain reaction that leads to the phosphorylation of myosin light chains and promotes interaction between actin and myosin, leading to smooth...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers01:16

Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers

In cardiovascular health, antianginal drugs combat angina pectoris — a condition marked by chest pain owing to diminished blood flow to the heart.
Organic nitrates,  such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow. Administered...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a vital component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, is abundant in lung endothelial cells. ACE converts the inactive decapeptide, angiotensin I, into the active octapeptide, angiotensin II. This potent vasoconstrictor narrows blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and elevating blood pressure. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone production, encouraging kidney cells to reabsorb more sodium and water from urine, thereby increasing...