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Related Concept Videos

Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System01:18

Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System

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The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
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Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Blockers01:28

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Ganglionic blockers inhibit autonomic activity by blocking nicotinic receptors in the autonomic ganglia, suppressing impulse transmission. These blockers lack selectivity between sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia and are ineffective as neuromuscular junction antagonists. They can be categorized into two groups:
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The Parasympathetic Nervous System01:14

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Overview
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Regulation of the Cardiovascular System01:27

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The regulation of the cardiovascular system allows the body to adapt to various demands and maintain homeostasis.
The regulation of the cardiovascular system involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors, ensuring that heart rate and blood pressure are appropriately modulated in response to varying physiological demands.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system enhances...
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Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

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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...
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Autonomic Nervous System01:22

Autonomic Nervous System

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The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a critical component of the peripheral nervous system, primarily responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. It functions in tandem with the central nervous system (CNS) to seamlessly coordinate various physiological processes without the need for conscious control.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions function antagonistically to maintain a dynamic...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Location, Dissection, and Analysis of the Murine Stellate Ganglion
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Statins and the autonomic nervous system.

Philip J Millar1, John S Floras

  • 1*University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital Division of Cardiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|November 27, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Statins, used to lower cholesterol, also benefit the autonomic nervous system by reducing sympathetic activity. This may explain their effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular events in various conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pharmacology
  • Autonomic Neuroscience
  • Integrative Physiology

Background:

  • Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors) are known for reducing plasma cholesterol, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
  • A less-explored pleiotropic effect of statins involves their influence on the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
  • ANS dysfunction, characterized by increased sympathetic outflow and reduced vagal tone, is common in cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction, hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize current evidence on the impact of statins on autonomic circulatory regulation.
  • To explore the mechanisms by which statins may modulate sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental studies on statins' effects on central sympathetic and parasympathetic discharge.

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  • Analysis of clinical studies investigating the impact of lipophilic statins (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin) on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MNSA) in patients with hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure.
  • Examination of studies assessing the effects of statin therapy on heart rate variability (HRV).

    • Main Results:

    • Experimental data indicate that high-dose lipophilic statins can decrease adrenergic outflow by mitigating oxidative stress in central autonomic regulatory regions.
    • Clinical studies show that lipophilic statins reduce MNSA by 12-30% in patients with hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure.
    • Findings regarding the effect of statins on HRV are inconsistent.

    Conclusions:

    • Statins possess the ability to improve autonomic circulatory regulation, representing an additional mechanism for cardiovascular risk reduction.
    • These ANS-modulating effects have significant implications for blood pressure control, insulin sensitivity, and the prevention of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
    • The impact of statins on autonomic function warrants consideration as a key factor in their overall cardiovascular benefits.