The role of statins in patients with arterial hypertension

Several primary and secondary prevention studies have shown that statin
(HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) interventions have an effect on both cardio- and cerebrovascular events, regardless of blood pressure status. In hypertensive patients, studies have shown that primary intervention with statin treatment significantly reduces the risk of both cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases and even death, even though cholesterol levels were considered to be within the normal range. This was particularly so in patients with both hypertension and diabetes. Therefore hypertensive patients with established cardiovascular disease or diabetes should be treated with statins as secondary prevention. Hypertensive patients without overt cardiovascular disease should be considered for treatment with statins if their risk of cardiovascular events is markedly elevated: The 2007 European Society of Hypertension and European Society of Cardiology guidelines suggest intervening at the level of 20% risk over 10 years.