The effect of statin therapy on the elastic properties of blood vessels in patients with arterial hypertension

Abstract

Annotation. It is common knowledge that the elastic properties of blood vessels change with age. Many domestic and foreign authors acknowledge the impact of the increase in stiffness and decrease in elasticity of large arteries on the pathogenesis of most cardiovascular diseases, particularly in the development of arterial hypertension. The aim is to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on vascular stiffness in patients with arterial hypertension. 75 patients with arterial hypertension aged 44.4±0.99 years were examined. 15 apparently healthy individuals were selected for the control group. All patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the therapy. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements were performed twice using the generally accepted carotid-femoral technique. The inclusion criteria for participation in the study were: patient age up to 59 years; arterial hypertension of the I and II degrees. Statistical data processing was carried out using the Statistica 10.0 program. The significance of the differences between the groups in quantitative terms was assessed using the Student's t-test. In all the studied groups, the initial index of PWV exceeded its norm. Against the background of treatment, a significant decrease in this indicator was observed in all 3 groups. The most positive effect was obtained in patients who additionally received statins. Rosuvastatin showed the best results. Thus, the modern strategy of treating patients with arterial hypertension should also be aimed at achieving regression of vascular remodeling. The use of statins improves the elastic properties of blood vessels.