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Effect of doxazosin on arterial elasticity: functional versus structural changes
Chris W Bratteli1, Stephen P Glasser
1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55454, USA.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|October 5, 2002
Summary
Doxazosin improved large artery elasticity functionally, with effects reversing after discontinuation. Small artery elasticity showed structural changes, persisting after stopping the drug in hypertension patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Hypertension Research
- Arterial Biomechanics
Background:
- Hypertension (HTN) affects large-conduit arteries and smaller vessels differently.
- Understanding drug effects on arterial elasticity is crucial for managing HTN.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the functional and structural effects of doxazosin (DOX) on large and small vessel arterial elasticity in patients with HTN.
Main Methods:
- Open-label, single-blind, active-therapy study.
- Stage 1-2 HTN patients received DOX (2mg/day for 3 months, then 4mg/day for 1 month if needed).
- Noninvasive arterial elasticity measurements (C1, C2) at baseline, 3 & 4 months, and 2 weeks post-withdrawal.
Main Results:
- Large-vessel elasticity (C1) increased dose-dependently, returning to baseline post-withdrawal, indicating a functional effect.
- Small-vessel elasticity (C2) showed a trend of dose-dependent improvement but did not fully return to baseline post-withdrawal (p=0.032), suggesting structural changes.
Conclusions:
- Doxazosin demonstrated a dose-related increase in large-artery compliance, primarily functional.
- Doxazosin improved small-artery compliance in a dose-related manner, with partial persistence post-withdrawal, suggesting structural alterations.