Do statins lower resting heart rate
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Impact of Statins on Resting Heart Rate: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Statins and Resting Heart Rate
Statins are widely prescribed medications primarily used to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, their effects on resting heart rate (RHR) and heart rate variability (HRV) have been subjects of ongoing research with mixed findings. This article synthesizes the current research to determine whether statins lower resting heart rate.
Statins and Resting Heart Rate in Athletes
A study focusing on endurance-trained athletes found that statins might actually increase resting heart rate. The research compared Masters swimmers taking statins to those not taking statins and found that the RHR was significantly higher in the statin group (58.3 ± 2.4 bpm) compared to the non-statin group (51.1 ± 2.7 bpm)1. This suggests that, contrary to some expectations, statins may elevate RHR in highly trained individuals.
Statins and Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Heart Failure Patients
In patients with heart failure, statins appear to have a different effect. A study involving heart failure patients demonstrated that statin therapy reduced muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), which is closely related to resting heart rate. The study showed a significant reduction in MSNA after one month of simvastatin treatment2. This reduction in sympathetic nerve activity could imply a potential decrease in resting heart rate, although the study did not measure RHR directly.
Statins and Blood Pressure Variability in Type 2 Diabetes
Research on patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) also provides insights into the effects of statins on cardiovascular parameters. While the primary focus was on blood pressure variability, the study noted that statin therapy did not significantly alter resting absolute blood pressure or heart rate3. This suggests that in T2D patients, statins may not have a substantial impact on resting heart rate.
Statins and Heart Rate Variability in Chronic Heart Failure
Another study examined the effects of atorvastatin on heart rate variability in patients with advanced chronic heart failure. The findings indicated that atorvastatin increased HRV, which is generally associated with better autonomic function and potentially lower resting heart rate4. However, the study did not provide direct measurements of RHR, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the impact on resting heart rate.
Conclusion
The effects of statins on resting heart rate appear to be context-dependent. In endurance-trained athletes, statins may increase RHR, while in heart failure patients, they may reduce sympathetic nerve activity, potentially lowering RHR. In patients with type 2 diabetes, statins do not seem to significantly affect resting heart rate. Further research is needed to clarify these effects across different populations and conditions.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Statins May Increase Resting Heart Rate and Decrease Heart Rate Variability in Trained Masters Athletes: 740 Board #56 June 1, 3: 30 PM - 5: 00 PM.
Statins may increase resting heart rate and reduce heart rate variability in endurance-trained athletes, potentially increasing their risk of cardiovascular events.
Non-RCT
Very Rigorous JournalStatin therapy lowers muscle sympathetic nerve activity and oxidative stress in patients with heart failure.
Short-term statin therapy reduces resting sympathetic nerve activity and oxidative stress in heart failure patients, in addition to lowering cholesterol.
RCTBeat-to-beat resting blood pressure variability in patients with type 2 diabetes: effect of statin therapy
Patients with type 2 diabetes have higher beat-to-beat blood pressure variability, but statin therapy reduces this variability in those with type 2 diabetes.
Atorvastatin therapy increases heart rate variability, decreases QT variability, and shortens QTc interval duration in patients with advanced chronic heart failure.
Atorvastatin therapy increases heart rate variability, decreases QT variability, and shortens QTc interval duration, potentially reducing the risk of arrhythmias in patients with advanced heart failure.
RCT
Highly CitedStatins and the autonomic nervous system.
Statins can improve autonomic circulatory regulation, reducing adrenergic outflow and oxidative stress in the central brain, potentially lowering cardiovascular risk.
Literature ReviewWithdrawal of Statins Increases Event Rates in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes
Statin pretreatment in patients with acute coronary syndromes improves clinical outcome, but discontinuing statins after onset of symptoms completely abrogates this beneficial effect.
Observational StudyHighly CitedStatins and Cardiomyocyte Metabolism, Friend or Foe?
Statins can have both beneficial and adverse effects on the heart, with potential side effects linked to altered cardiomyocyte metabolism.
The influence of statin therapy on resting sympathetic nerve activity in patients with heart failure
Short-term statin therapy reduces resting sympathetic nerve activity in heart failure patients, suggesting that in addition to lowering cholesterol, statins may also benefit in reducing sympathetic overactivity.
Non-RCTPleiotropic Effects of Statins on the Cardiovascular System
Statins may have cardiovascular protective effects beyond lowering LDL-cholesterol, potentially affecting plaque stability, inflammation, platelet reactivity, and cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedEffects of early statin treatment on symptomatic heart failure and ischemic events after acute myocardial infarction in Japanese.
Early statin treatment after acute myocardial infarction decreases recurrent cardiovascular events, particularly congestive heart failure, in Japanese patients.
RCT
Large Human TrialHighly Cited