Effects of statin use on blood pressure and other hypertension-related outcome indicators in hypertensive patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Aims

This meta-analysis delved into the impact of statin therapy, both as a monotherapy and in conjunction with antihypertensive medications, on blood pressure levels and outcomes pertinent to hypertension.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for studies published before October 1 2023. Studies designed as cohort studies or randomized controlled trials and investigating the effects of single use of statin or its combined use with other antihypertensive therapy were included. Authors extracted the data independently and differences were decided through discussion. Random-effects model was used to evaluate the merged outcomes. Due to the high heterogeneity of the HDL-C group, we performed subgroup analysis according to the type of statin. To assess the robustness and potential publication bias of our findings, we utilized sensitivity analysis, Egger’s test, and funnel plots.

Results

23 trials were included in this meta-analysis. The primary outcomes revealed that administering statins did not significantly impact the systolic pressure (SBP) of hypertensive patients (MD, −1.77; 95 % CI, −4.82–1.27). —The promoted effect of statin treatment on diastolic pressure (DBP) in hypertensive patients was found (MD, −1.87; 95 % CI, −3.72 –-0.01). The secondary outcomes revealed that the use of statins resulted in a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), while significantly increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) in hypertensive patients.

Conclusion

Statin use did not modulate SBP and DBP of patients with hypertension, but SBP was decreased in the rosuvastatin or pravastatin subgroup, while DBP was decreased in the simvastatin or pravastatin subgroup. Statin treatment reduced LDL-C, increased HDL-C, and reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality compared to control groups.