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Effects of valsartan on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with mild or moderate essential hypertension:

A Cuocolo1, G Storto, R Izzo

  • 1Nuclear Medicine Center of the National Council of Research, Department of Biomorphological and Functional Sciences, University Federico II, Napoli, Italy.

Journal of Hypertension
|February 5, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Valsartan improved left ventricular (LV) filling in hypertensive patients with diastolic dysfunction, unlike enalapril. This suggests the renin-angiotensin system plays a role in controlling diastolic function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Essential hypertension can affect left ventricular (LV) diastolic function.
  • Understanding the impact of antihypertensive medications on diastolic function is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of valsartan (an AT1 receptor antagonist) and enalapril (an ACE inhibitor) on LV diastolic function.
  • To investigate the role of the renin-angiotensin system in diastolic function in hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, crossover study involving 24 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.
  • Patients underwent radionuclide monitoring of LV function before and after 4-week treatment periods with valsartan and enalapril.
  • Subgroup analysis based on baseline LV peak filling rate (PFR).

Main Results:

  • Valsartan and enalapril similarly reduced blood pressure in all patients.
  • In patients with impaired baseline PFR, valsartan significantly improved PFR at rest and during exercise.
  • Enalapril did not significantly alter PFR in patients with impaired diastolic function.

Conclusions:

  • Valsartan effectively improves LV diastolic filling in hypertensive patients with impaired diastolic function.
  • These findings highlight the renin-angiotensin system's contribution to diastolic function regulation.
  • Valsartan may be a beneficial therapeutic option for hypertensive patients with diastolic dysfunction.
Abstract

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