Cardiovascular and inflammatory effects of simvastatin therapy in patients with COPD: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is excess cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aortic stiffness, an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk, and systemic and airway inflammation are increased in patients with the disease. Statins modulate aortic stiffness and have anti-inflammatory properties. A proof-of-principle, double-blind, randomized trial determined if 6 weeks of simvastatin 20 mg once daily reduced aortic stiffness and systemic and airway inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods

Stable patients (n=70) were randomized to simvastatin (active) or placebo. Pre-treatment and post-treatment aortic stiffness, blood pressure, spirometry, and circulating and airway inflammatory mediators and lipids were mea

SUBMITTER: John ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4321645 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature