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Clinical Autonomic Research

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Open Access 01-04-2015 | Research Article

The effect of statins on sympathetic activity: a meta-analysis

Authors: Jacek Lewandowski, Bartosz Symonides, Zbigniew Gaciong, Maciej Siński

Published in: Clinical Autonomic Research | Issue 2/2015

Abstract

Objective

Beyond lipid-lowering properties, statins decrease sympathetic nervous activity. Due to the limited number of studies and included participants, a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled studies using microneurography (MSNA) was performed to assess sympatholytic effect of statins.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of online databases (Cochrane, Embase, and EBSCO) for published human studies up to April 2014. Randomized controlled trials (parallel and crossover design) were eligible for inclusion if results of statins versus placebo treatments on sympathetic activity were measured with MSNA.

Results

Data from five studies with a total number of subjects n = 82 were included into the meta-analysis. MSNA expressed as bursts/min and as bursts/100 heartbeats was lower in the statin group than in the placebo group with a mean difference of −4.37 95 % CI (−7.03; −1.70), p < 0.0013 and −5.85 95 % CI (−7.56; −4.13), p < 0.0001, respectively. No significant publication bias was observed. Meta-regression revealed no significant effect of baseline total cholesterol or dose of statin. No change in blood pressure and heart rate was observed.

Conclusions

Published data show that regardless of type and dose, statins reduce sympathetic activity measured by microneurography. The role of decreased sympathetic outflow during statin therapy on clinical end points needs to be clarified.

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Title: The effect of statins on sympathetic activity: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jacek Lewandowski
Bartosz Symonides
Zbigniew Gaciong
Maciej Siński
Publication date: 01-04-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Clinical Autonomic Research / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 0959-9851
Electronic ISSN: 1619-1560
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10286-015-0274-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

The effect of statins on sympathetic activity: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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