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.