Effect of Statin Use on Aldosterone Secretion

In order to provide additional evidence regarding the effect of statin therapy on aldosterone levels, the investigators propose the following randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled protocol in relatively healthy volunteers. The investigators will evaluate aldosterone and cortisol production in response to an angiotensin II infusion under the following test conditions: 1) placebo, 2) simvastatin therapy (lipophilic statin), and 3) pravastatin therapy (hydrophilic statin). Measurements will be made to assess the effect of both acute (single dose) and chronic (6 and 12 weeks) therapy of the two statin medications.

Inclusion criteria

• Blood pressure <140/90 mmHg and >90/50 mmHg
• Body mass index 19-40 kg/m2
• Normal screening laboratory values for:

i. Serum sodium, potassium, glucose, liver enzymes ii. GFR (>60 mL/min/1.73m2) iii. A1c iv. TSH

• Normal ECG
• Negative urine HCG at screening for women who are able to become pregnant.

Exclusion criteria

• Any prior use of statin therapy
• History of coronary disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, kidney disease, thyroid disease, psychiatric illness, malignancy, preeclampsia, or illness requiring overnight hospitalization in the past 6 months
• Triglycerides > 500, LDL > 200
• Any prescription medication or herbal medication including oral contraceptive, excluding thyroid medications
• Unstable thyroid disease (determined by abnormal TSH)
• Pregnancy or current breastfeeding
• Alcohol intake >12 oz per week
• Tobacco or recreational drug use