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Effects of eprosartan on diastolic function and neurohormones in patients with hypertension and diastolic dysfunction

Adriaan A Voors1, Ruud M van de Wal, Jasper W L Hartog

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, RB, The Netherlands. a.a.voors@thorax.umcg.nl

Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy
|March 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients with diastolic dysfunction did not improve diastolic function. However, it was associated with a decrease in NT-proBNP levels after six months.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hypertension and diastolic dysfunction are significant cardiovascular concerns.
  • Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used in hypertension management.
  • The impact of ARBs on diastolic function and neurohormones in this patient group requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of an ARB-based regimen versus a non-ARB regimen on diastolic function and neurohormones.
  • To assess changes in tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and neurohormone levels.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of eprosartan in hypertensive patients with diastolic dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, open-label study involving 97 hypertensive patients with diastolic dysfunction.
  • Patients received either eprosartan or a non-ARB based regimen for 6 months.
  • Echocardiography (including TDI) and neurohormone measurements were performed at baseline and after 6 months.

Main Results:

  • Both regimens effectively lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) without significant differences between groups.
  • Diastolic function, assessed by TDI, remained unchanged in both groups.
  • A decrease in aldosterone was observed in the eprosartan group, and SBP reduction correlated with decreased NT-proBNP.

Conclusions:

  • Lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients with diastolic dysfunction does not improve diastolic function within 6 months.
  • Blood pressure reduction, regardless of the regimen, was associated with a decrease in NT-proBNP.
  • Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and alternative therapeutic strategies.
Abstract

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