Endothelial function in the forearm circulation of patients with the metabolic syndrome--effect of different lipid-lowering regimens

We compared the effect of statin therapy (either alone or combined with ezetimibe) on the inhibition of cholesterol resorption and endothelial function by measuring forearm blood flow in male patients with the metabolic syndrome. Compared to 40 mg atorvastatin alone, combination therapy with 10 mg ezetimibe and 10 mg atorvastatin for 8 weeks resulted in significantly decreased total serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels (n = 14). Endothelium-dependent, acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation was significantly better with combination therapy (p < 0.05). In contrast, endothelium-independent forearm blood flow response to sodium nitroprusside was comparable in both groups. Our data suggest a more effective restoration of endothelial function with the statin/ezetimibe combination compared to statin monotherapy in patients with the metabolic syndrome.