Antihypertensive Effect of Simvastatin in Hypertensive Patients

Antihypertensive Effect of Simvastatin in Hypertensive Patients: a Randomized Clinical Trial With Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

Few trials have investigated the hypotensive effect of the Statins. Most were not specifically aimed at this pleiotropic effect or had methodological problems. The possible hypotensive effect may explain part of the favorable results of the Statins use on cardiovascular prevention independently from its action on the cholesterol profile.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of Simvastatin on the blood pressure

This is a randomized double blind parallel clinical trial where hypertensive patients with controlled or uncontrolled blood pressure and without evidence of target-organ damage will be selected. Subjects will receive Simvastatin 40 mg once daily or placebo and a baseline and eight weeks ABPM will performed. The main outcome will be the difference in systolic BP in the 24h-ABPM.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hypertensive patients with controlled or uncontrolled blood pressure

Exclusion Criteria:

• Secondary causes of hypertension;
• Systolic Blood pressure >= 180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >= 110 mmHg
• Complain of side effects related to Statins
• Diabetes
• Established target-organ damage (myocardial infarction, stroke, angina, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease)
• Renal disease (creatinine > 1,5 mgdl).