Related Experiment Videos

A randomized, double-blind trial comparing the effects of amlodipine besylate/benazepril HCl vs amlodipine on

Emile R Mohler1, David Herrington, Pamela Ouyang

  • 1Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. mohlere@uphs.upenn.edu

Journal of Clinical Hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.)
|October 10, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Combination therapy with amlodipine besylate/benazepril HCl improved endothelial function and blood pressure more than amlodipine monotherapy in hypertensive patients. The combination showed a positive correlation between blood pressure reduction and improved vasodilation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in cardiovascular disease.
  • Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors are known to improve endothelial function.
  • Amlodipine and benazepril HCl are commonly used antihypertensive medications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of amlodipine besylate/benazepril HCl combination therapy versus amlodipine besylate monotherapy on endothelial dysfunction.
  • To evaluate the impact of these treatments on blood pressure control in hypertensive individuals.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter, double-blind, 12-week randomized controlled trial.
  • 70 hypertensive subjects with endothelial dysfunction risk factors were enrolled.
  • Participants received either combination therapy (amlodipine/benazepril HCl) or amlodipine monotherapy, with forced titration.

Main Results:

  • Both treatments significantly increased flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD).
  • Combination therapy showed numerically larger improvements in FMD compared to monotherapy, but not statistically significant.
  • Combination therapy resulted in significantly greater reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
  • A positive correlation between blood pressure reduction and FMD improvement was observed only with combination therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Amlodipine besylate/benazepril HCl combination therapy offers potential benefits in improving endothelial function and blood pressure control in hypertensive patients.
  • The combination therapy may be more effective than amlodipine monotherapy, particularly in reducing blood pressure and enhancing vasodilation.
  • Further research may explore the synergistic effects of RAAS inhibition and calcium channel blockade on vascular health.

Related Concept Videos

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a vital component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, is abundant in lung endothelial cells. ACE converts the inactive decapeptide, angiotensin I, into the active octapeptide, angiotensin II. This potent vasoconstrictor narrows blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and elevating blood pressure. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone production, encouraging kidney cells to reabsorb more sodium and water from urine, thereby increasing...
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers01:16

Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers

In cardiovascular health, antianginal drugs combat angina pectoris — a condition marked by chest pain owing to diminished blood flow to the heart.
Organic nitrates,  such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow. Administered...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists01:18

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists

Endothelins (ETs) are potent vasoactive peptides critical in the human body's various physiological and pathological processes. One of the most promising therapeutic strategies for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) involves counteracting the effects of these endothelins using a class of drugs known as endothelin receptor antagonists.
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Of...
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine01:25

Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine

Angina pectoris, a primary symptom of ischemic heart disease, requires careful pharmacological interventions. In this context, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and ranolazine have emerged as crucial pharmacotherapeutic agents, providing deep insights into the complexities of angina management.
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormone called angiotensin II plays a crucial role. It binds to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscles coupled with Gq proteins. The activation of these receptors activates an enzyme called phospholipase C, which releases two molecules: inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These molecules cause a chain reaction that leads to the phosphorylation of myosin light chains and promotes interaction between actin and myosin, leading to smooth...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Calcium Channel Blockers01:18

Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium ions are essential to contract smooth muscle cells in blood vessels. They enter these cells through voltage-dependent calcium channels, specifically L-type calcium channels in the cell membrane. These L-type calcium channels are integral to the excitation-contraction coupling process in smooth muscle. When a stimulus is received by smooth muscle cells, their membrane depolarizes. This alteration in membrane potential instigates the opening of L-type calcium channels. As a result,...