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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Cardiac Pressure-Volume Loop Analysis Using Conductance Catheters in Mice
Published on: September 17, 2015
A randomized, double-blind study of valsartan versus metoprolol on arterial distensibility and endothelial function
Markus Kosch1, Andrea Levers, Detlef Lang
1Department of Internal Medicine D, University of Münster, 48129 Münster, Germany. markuskosch@gmx.de
Background:
Antihypertensive drugs may have differential, pressure-independent effects on hypertension-associated alterations of arterial function. We compared the effects of a 12-week therapy with the AT(1)-receptor antagonist valsartan (Val) versus the beta-blocker metoprolol (Met) on arterial stiffness and endothelial function in mildly hypertensive patients at rest and during generalized sympathetic stimulation.
Methods:
Sixty-eight patients (37 male, 31 female, 46 +/- 6 years) were randomized to Val (80-160 mg/d) or Met (50-100 mg/d). Effects of therapy on endothelial function, brachial and carotid artery distensibility coefficients, pulse wave velocity, carotid intima-media thickness and elastic modulus were assessed at rest and during the cold pressor test.
Results:
Fifty-two patients were available for per protocol analysis. Blood pressure was comparably reduced in both treatment groups. Effects on endothelial function and large artery elastic wall properties did not differ significantly between the two antihypertensive treatment regimens. Trends did not differ significantly between groups for any parameter including carotid intima-media thickness and elastic modulus.
Conclusion:
Short-term treatment with Val and Met had similar effects on large artery functional vessel wall properties in a population of mildly hypertensive patients.
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