Statins and blood pressure regulation.

Hypertension and high serum cholesterol levels are two of the most relevant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. A combined increase in both risk factors has been reported in a significant proportion of patients with coronary artery disease. Statins are the most widely used drugs to treat hypercholesterolemia, and they interact with blood pressure control in different populations of hypertensive patients. A significant reduction in blood pressure associated with the use of statins has been described in patients with untreated hypertension and in patients treated with antihypertensive drugs, particularly angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers. The effect of statins on blood pressure control has also been reported in diabetic patients. The mechanisms responsible for the hypotensive effect seem to be largely independent of the effect of statins on lipid profile, and are probably related to their interaction with endothelial function or angiotensin II receptors. The capacity of statins to improve blood pressure control could be a useful consideration for an integrated approach to better prevention of cardiovascular diseases.