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Relationship between decrease in ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate variability due to the effects of taking
Taiji Furukawa1, Taketo Hatsuno, Yasunari Ueno
1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Teikyo University, Teikyo, Japan.
Clinical Drug Investigation
|March 24, 2009
Summary
Olmesartan demonstrated superior blood pressure reduction compared to candesartan in patients with essential hypertension. This antihypertensive drug therapy did not induce significant changes in heart rate variability.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Hypertension Management
Background:
- Olmesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) with reported high clinical efficacy.
- Essential hypertension management often involves ARBs like olmesartan and candesartan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical efficacy of olmesartan versus candesartan in treating essential hypertension.
- To evaluate the impact of switching from candesartan to olmesartan on blood pressure and heart rate variability.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 31 patients with essential hypertension.
- Measurements included Holter electrocardiogram, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and pulse wave velocity (PWV).
- Patients switched from candesartan 8 mg to olmesartan 20 mg.
Main Results:
- Olmesartan significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure (6.7/3.6 mmHg average decrease).
- Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was also significantly decreased.
- No significant alterations in heart rate variability spectral components (VLF, HF, LF/HF) were observed, though LF/HF correlated with blood pressure changes.
Conclusions:
- Olmesartan exhibits a stronger antihypertensive effect than candesartan.
- Olmesartan therapy does not appear to generate reflex sympathoexcitatory activity.
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