Effect of atorvastatin on baroreflex sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia

Abstract

In this prospective study, we examined the effect of atorvastatin treatment on baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in subjects with type 2 diabetes. A total of 79 patients with type 2 diabetes with dyslipidaemia were recruited. A total of 46 subjects were enrolled to atorvastatin 10 mg daily and low-fat diet and 33 patients to low-fat diet only. BRS was assessed non-invasively using the sequence method at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Treatment with atorvastatin increased BRS after 12 months (from 6.46 ± 2.79 ms/mmHg to 8.05 ± 4.28 ms/mmHg, p = 0.03), while no effect was seen with low-fat diet. Further sub-analysis according to obesity status showed that BRS increased significantly only in the non-obese group (p = 0.036). A low dose of atorvastatin increased BRS in non-obese subjects with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia after 1-year treatment. This finding emphasizes the beneficial effect of atorvastatin on cardiovascular system, beyond the lipid-lowering effects.

Keywords: Atorvastatin; autonomic function; baroreflex sensitivity; diabetes.