Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
09:15

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles

Published on: November 10, 2017

Effect of rosuvastatin on systemic blood pressure in patients with hypercholesterolemia

Shingo Seki1, Koichi Hashimoto, Ikuo Taniguchi

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Katsushika Medical Center, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Experimental and Clinical Cardiology
|April 18, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Rosuvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug, also reduced blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypercholesterolemia. This effect was independent of its lipid-lowering action and may be linked to inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Statins, like rosuvastatin, are primarily used to lower cholesterol levels.
  • The potential blood pressure-lowering effects of statins are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of rosuvastatin on blood pressure in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
  • To determine if rosuvastatin has an antihypertensive effect independent of its lipid-lowering properties.

Main Methods:

  • A three-month study involving 25 patients with hypercholesterolemia.
  • Patients received rosuvastatin at dosages ranging from 2.5 mg/day to 5.0 mg/day.
  • Blood pressure and lipid levels were monitored throughout the study period.

Main Results:

  • Rosuvastatin significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (BP) from 136.3±13.1 mmHg to 130.8±10.7 mmHg (P<0.01).
  • A significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was also observed (P<0.01).
  • Patients were categorized into responders (>5 mmHg BP decrease) and non-responders (≤5 mmHg BP decrease), with responders showing higher baseline BP and lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels.

Conclusions:

  • Rosuvastatin demonstrated an additive antihypertensive effect in patients with poorly controlled hypertension.
  • This blood pressure reduction was independent of the drug's lipid-lowering efficacy.
  • The antihypertensive effect may be associated with an anti-inflammatory mechanism.
Abstract

Keywords:
Blood pressureHydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitorsHypercholesterolemiaHypertension

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...