AtorvaStatin Postpartum and Reduction of Cardiovascular risK

The objective is to conduct a double-blinded randomized controlled trial of atorvastatin vs. placebo among postpartum individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, to improve cardiovascular risk score postpartum. For this, 76 individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) will be randomized to atorvastatin 10mg or placebo, which will be started in the postpartum period after cessation of breast feeding and continued for 3 months.

Individuals will be followed for up to 1 year to address the following specific aims: Specific Aim 1: To determine if among individuals diagnosed with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), the use of atorvastatin 10 mg daily initiated in the postpartum period following cessation of breastfeeding and continued for 3 months, lowers cardiovascular risk, as measured by the Framingham Risk Score for Cardiovascular Disease (30 year risk, primary outcome) and cardiovascular risk prediction model (PREVENT, secondary outcome) compared with placebo; and if the benefit will persist for at least 3-6 months following discontinuation of atorvastatin treatment. Specific Aim 2: To determine if among individuals diagnosed with HDP the use of atorvastatin 10 mg daily initiated in the postpartum period following cessation of breastfeeding and continued for 3 months lowers the frequency of metabolic syndrome, improves lipid levels, and reduces inflammatory markers compared with placebo; and if this benefit will persist for at least 3-6 months following discontinuation of atorvastatin treatment.