Analysis of the vasomotor response and metabolic parameters in healthy elders to the use of statin

It has not been established yet if treating dyslipidemia in the elderly will improve the vasomotor function. To evaluate endothelial response in elderly suffering from hypercholesterolemia to the treatment with statin, lipids and C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Double-blind randomized clinical trial, 47 elderly people aged ≥65 anos (65-91), LDL≥130mg/dL, evaluated by means high resolution ultrasound scan of the brachial artery, before and after atorvastatin 20mg or placebo, orally, during 30 days. Endothelium-dependent flow response and endothelium independent dilation did not present any statistically significant difference between groups. The reduction of LDL was 41 per cent and CRP=64 per cent. In spite of a significant decrease in lipids, there were no significant changes in vasomotor function with statin therapy, suggesting intrinsic alterations of the vessel associated with ageing. However, CRP reduction suggested an anti-inflammatory effect.