gms | German Medical Science

27. Wissenschaftlicher Kongress der Deutschen Hochdruckliga

Deutsche Liga zur Bekämpfung des hohen Blutdrucks – Deutsche Hypertonie Gesellschaft e. V.

26. bis 29.11.2003, Bonn

Effects of Valsartan and Metoprolol on large artery function in hypertensive patients

Wirkungen von Valsartan und Metoprolol auf funktionelle Wandeigenschaften großer Arterien bei hypertensiven Patienten

Meeting Abstract (Hypertonie 2003)

  • presenting/speaker M. Hausberg - Universitätsklinikum Münster, Novartis Pharma (Münster, Nürnberg, D)
  • M. Kosch - Universitätsklinikum Münster, Novartis Pharma (Münster, Nürnberg, D)
  • M. Barenbrock - Universitätsklinikum Münster, Novartis Pharma (Münster, Nürnberg, D)
  • V. Holland - Universitätsklinikum Münster, Novartis Pharma (Münster, Nürnberg, D)
  • R. Handrock - Universitätsklinikum Münster, Novartis Pharma (Münster, Nürnberg, D)
  • K.H. Rahn - Universitätsklinikum Münster, Novartis Pharma (Münster, Nürnberg, D)

Hypertonie 2003. 27. Wissenschaftlicher Kongress der Deutschen Hochdruckliga. Bonn, 26.-29.11.2003. Düsseldorf, Köln: German Medical Science; 2004. Doc03hochP52

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/hoch2003/03hoch152.shtml

Published: November 11, 2004

© 2004 Hausberg et al.
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Outline

Text

Background

Even mild hypertension is associated with substantial alterations of arterial vessel wall function. Several observations suggest that antihypertensive drugs may have differential, pressure-independent effects on arterial function. We compared the effects of a 12 weeks therapy with the AT1 receptor antagonist valsartan (Val) versus the beta blocker metoprolol (Met) on brachial artery endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and large artery distensibility (DC) in mildly hypertensive patients.

Methods

68 mildly hypertensive patients (37 male, 31 female, 46±1 years) were randomized to Val (80-160 mg/d) or Met (50-100 mg/d). Hydrochlorothiazide (12,5 mg/d) was added if the target blood pressure of <140/90 mmHg was not achieved. At randomization and after 3 months of therapy, sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) were measured, FMD and endothelium independent nitroglycerine-induced brachial artery dilatation (NMD) and brachial and carotid artery DC were assessed using an echo-tracking device. Carotid and femoral pulse contour was registered with applanation tonometry to measure aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and to calculate carotid artery isobaric DC (DCI) at rest and during sympathetic stimulation (cold pressor test).

Results

52 patients were available for per protocol analysis. Data in the table are mean ± SEM. Trends did not differ significantly between groups for any parameter.

Conclusions

Blood pressure reduction was comparable in patients treated with valsartan and metoprolol. There were mild effects on endothelial function which did not differ significantly between the two antihypertensive treatment regimens. Neither drug did significantly influence large artery elastic wall properties.

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