THE EFFECT OF STATIN USE ON VASCULAR FUNCTION IN HYPERTENSIVE SUBJECTS

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Hypertension, a common risk factor for atherosclerosis, occurs without a known or reversible cause in over 90% of cases, and adjunct strategies are needed to reduce its complications, such as vascular dysfunction. Clinical trials have shown that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy reduces cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. This benefit is seen in patients with and without high blood cholesterol levels. Non-lipid actions of statins including effects on the blood vessel wall, the microvasculature and systemic inflammation are likely to be responsible for this benefit. The purpose of this study is to more fully investigate the effects of statins on endothelial dysfunction (both conduit and microvascular), arterial stiffness, inflammation and impaired nitric oxide metabolism, which are potential pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to increased cardiovascular risk in hypertensive individuals.