Abstract
Objective: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a method to estimate arterial stiffness. Statins have been shown to improve the compliance of the vasculature. We present the available data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of statin administration on arterial stiffness by measuring PWV. Methods: We considered all RCTs evaluating PWV following the administration of statins. We searched PubMed up to July 2009. Information regarding the author, journal, year of publication, randomization method, participant characteristics, treatment intervention, PWV assessment, and outcome were recorded independently by two investigators. Results: We found 9 eligible studies with 471 participants. The most frequent comparison was between fluvastatin against placebo, and the most extensively studied agent was also fluvastatin (n = 4 trials, total population = 240). The most frequent indication for statin therapy was hyperlipidaemia (n = 6), with or without other cardiovascular risk factors. Aortic PWV, which is considered to be the most appropriate method for PWV evaluation, was assessed in 4 studies, with significant reduction (improvement of arterial stiffness) in 2 studies, a non-significant change in one study and a significant increase in the other. Peripheral (mainly brachial-ankle) PWV was assessed in the other 5 studies with significant reduction in all except the one multi-arm study where only fluvastatin improved PWV. Conclusions: We cannot safely conclude for the effect of statins on arterial stiffness, as estimated by PWV measurements. This is a poorly investigated field with few RCTs and a limited number of participants. More trials should be carried out to reach more robust conclusions.
Keywords: Pulse wave velocity, arterial stiffness, arterial compliance, statins, low density lipoprotein cholesterol
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN CHRONIC AND END STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE
Cardiovascular disease still remains the leading cause of death in Chronic and End Stage Kidney Disease, accounting for more than half of all deaths in dialysis patients. During the past decade, research has been focused on novel therapeutic agents that might delay or even reverse cardiovascular disease and vascular calcification, ...read more
Related Journals
Current Drug Safety
Current Cardiology Reviews
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Current Hypertension Reviews
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets
Current Neuropharmacology
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Current Pharmaceutical Analysis
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets
Current Molecular Pharmacology
Related Books
New Findings from Natural Substances
Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Production: An Introductory Textbook
Evidence-Based Research in Ayurveda against COVID-19 in Compliance with Standardized Protocols and Practices
Pharmaceuticals for Targeting Coronaviruses
Medical Applications of Beta-Glucan
Nanotechnology Driven Herbal Medicine for Burns: From Concept to Application
Herbal Medicine: Back to the Future
Cardiac Care and COVID-19: Perspectives in Medical Practice
Nanomedicinal Approaches Towards Cardiovascular Disease
Postbiotics: Science, Technology and Applications
17