The Effects of Simvastatin on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Hypertensive Patients
Huilin Zhang · Chinese Journal of Hypertension · 2004
Objective To investigate the effects of simvastatin on left ventricular remodeling in hypertensive patients. Methods Sixty-two patients with essential hypertension (grade 1 or grade 2 ) on the base of captopril and hydrochlorthiazide treatment were randomly assigned to receive simvastatin (20 mg/d, n =32) or placebo( n =30). Left ventricular mass index(LVMI) and serum procollagen type Ⅲ(PC Ⅲ) were measured before and after treatment. Results Although both LVMI and serum concentrations of PC Ⅲ were lower after treatment in two groups( P 0.05 or P 0.01), the magnitude of reduction in serum concentrations of PC Ⅲ was more obvious in simvastatin group than that in control group( P 0.05). No significant difference in LVMI between simvastatin group and control group after treatment was found. Conclusion Simvastatin regresses myocardial interstitial fibrosis and attenuates left ventricular remodeling in hypertensive patients.