Research suggests statins may help lower blood pressure by reducing some risk factors, such as plaque buildup and inflammation. However, conventional hypertension drugs may still be more effective.

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force of the bloodstream against the inside walls of the arteries. These are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is when this force is too high.

If left untreated, hypertension may damage your arteries, making them less effective at moving blood throughout your body. It may also increase your risk of developing life threatening conditions, such as stroke and heart attack.

Treatment for hypertension may include a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as medications.

Statins are medications typically used to help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Some research suggests they may help lower blood pressure.

Keep reading to learn more about the link between statins and high blood pressure.

Statins are a type of medication used to help lower LDL cholesterol.

High levels of LDL cholesterol may cause plaque to build up in your arteries.

Over time, cholesterol plaque can narrow your blood’s pathways, reducing the amount of blood that reaches your organs and muscles. This may also increase blood pressure, as your heart needs to work harder to pump blood.

If a coronary or heart artery becomes occluded or blocked, a heart attack results. If blood flow to the brain is blocked, a stroke occurs.

Can statins lower blood pressure?

A 2023 review of 49 studies involving altogether 45,173 participants found that statins could help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. Statins may do this by reducing:

However, the authors conclude that statins don’t significantly lower blood pressure and that more research is needed to fully assess the link between statins and hypertension.

As such, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you have high blood pressure. They could provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. This may include more conventional medications for hypertension.

Types of statins

There are several different types of statins. The best type and dosage for you will depend on several factors, such as your cholesterol levels and your risk of cardiovascular disease.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the following statins are available by prescription in the United States:

A healthcare professional may also recommend a combination of certain statins or alternatives to statins for lowering cholesterol.

Statins are best used by people who have a family history of cardiovascular disease and a high risk of heart problems.

According to the AHA, you may benefit from taking statins if you have:

  • history of stroke, heart attack, or atherosclerosis
  • LDL cholesterol greater than 190 mg/dL
  • high 10-year risk of heart attack and are 40 to 75 years old
  • diabetes and are 40 to 75 years old

Like any medication, statins may have some potential side effects. These may include:

Sometimes, statins may cause more severe side effects. Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following symptoms when taking statins. They could modify the dosage or suggest an alternative medication:

Learn more about the potential side effects of statins.

Medications used to treat high blood pressure are known as antihypertensives.

There are several different types. The best one for you will depend on several factors, such as the severity of your condition, whether you take other medications, and your risk of side effects.

Antihypertensives available to lower blood pressure include:

Medications are most effective if they’re part of an overall treatment plan. Your treatment plan should address other cardiovascular risks, such as smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol.

You may be able to lower your blood pressure through lifestyle changes. These changes may include:

How much can statins lower blood pressure?

Some research suggests that statins may lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, these effects aren’t as significant as antihypertensives, which are the usual medication treatment for high blood pressure.

What is the biggest side effect of statins?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), common side effects of statins include muscle pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and headache.

Can atorvastatin affect blood pressure?

A 2023 review found that atorvastatin reduced blood pressure more than other types of statins.

Can I take blood pressure tablets and statins at the same time?

A healthcare professional can help determine whether you should take blood pressure medications and statins at the same time.

Statins are medications used to help lower cholesterol levels.

A doctor will likely recommend antihypertensives and lifestyle changes if your blood pressure needs to decrease significantly.

However, they may recommend statins to lower cholesterol levels if these are contributing to your hypertension.

A heart-healthy diet and regular exercise are key components of managing blood pressure.