Modulation of arterial reactivity using amlodipine and atorvastatin measured by ultrasound examination (MARGAUX)

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of the calcium channel blocker amlodipine on endothelial function in normotensive patients with coronary disease taking concomitant atorvastatin therapy. Methods and results Atorvastatin was titrated (10–80 mg/day) to maintain LDL-C  n  = 64) or placebo ( n  = 70) for 12 months. Brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) was assessed using vascular ultrasound. Inflammatory markers were also measured. At 12 months there was a significant decrease in mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (4.4–2.1 mmol/L, P P P P P Conclusions Intensive reduction of LDL-C with atorvastatin improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation and reduces markers of inflammation in patients with coronary disease. Amlodipine was not associated with a significant additional benefit on these variables.