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Low‐dose atorvastatin therapy does not augment endothelial function in active hypercholesterolaemic males
Author(s) -
Parnell Melinda M.,
ChinDusting Jaye P. F.,
Starr Jennifer,
Kaye David M.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
british journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.216
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1365-2125
pISSN - 0306-5251
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.t01-1-01752.x
Subject(s) - atorvastatin , brachial artery , augment , medicine , endothelial dysfunction , crossover study , confidence interval , combination therapy , endocrinology , endothelium , cardiology , blood pressure , pathology , philosophy , linguistics , alternative medicine , placebo
Aims As statin therapy has been demonstrated to augment endothelial function in sedentary hypercholesterolaemia (HC), we aimed to investigate the effects of atorvastatin therapy on endothelial function in physically active, HC men. Method and results Eleven physically active, HC males were recruited. Endothelial function [forearm blood flow response to brachial artery infusion of acetylcholine (Ach)] was assessed twice in each subject following atorvastatin or no therapy in a randomized crossover design. In addition, endothelial function was compared with an active, normolipidaemic control group (C). Atorvastatin therapy reduced total and LDL cholesterol, but had no effect on basal blood flow or endothelial function (peak ACh mean difference ± standard error 0.75 ± 1.75 ml min −1 per 100 ml tissue) [95% confidence interval (CI) −3.1, 4.6]. In addition, there was no difference in endothelial function between the HC and C groups (−1.14 ± 2.60 ml min −1 per 100 ml tissue; CI −6.53, 4.25). Conclusion Statin therapy in HC patients with normal endothelial function does not augment endothelial function.