Hypotensive Effects of Statins: A Rapid Review

Introduction: Recently, hypertension has become a major global health concern that plays a substantial role in morbidity and mortality related to Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Although statins primarily reduce cholesterol levels, they have also been shown to possess Blood Pressure (BP)-lowering properties that may provide further cardiovascular protection. Aim: To explore the hypotensive effects of statins on BP and to determine whether they can serve as an adjunct to antihypertensive drugs. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Statement (PRISMA-S) guidelines. Databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE and Web of Science were employed to conduct a thorough literature search, focusing on research studies published between 2004 and 2024. Search terms such as “antihypertensive effect,” “hypertension,” and “statins” were used to identify relevant studies. The articles included observational studies, pooled analyses, clinical trials, Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and literature syntheses that demonstrated the impact of statins on BP. All three authors contributed equally to this study and independently extracted the data in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-S) standards to ensure accuracy and consistency. Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that statins, particularly lipophilic statins such as simvastatin and atorvastatin, have a slight but noteworthy impact on decreasing BP in individuals with dyslipidaemia and hypertension. Statins exhibit a stronger BP-lowering effect when used in conjunction with other antihypertensive medications, particularly those that target the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS). Additionally, the study emphasised that the effects of statins vary depending on the type and dosage and that the combination of statins and RAAS inhibitors may lower BP more effectively. Conclusion: Statins have a moderate effect on BP, especially when combined with other antihypertensive drugs. Although there is evidence to support their use in improving cardiovascular protection, further studies are required to determine whether statins qualify as antihypertensive medications. These results highlight the potential for statins to be used as an adjuvant treatment to help hypertensive individuals better regulate their BP and reduce their overall cardiovascular risk.