Effects of Losartan on Endothelial Function in Patients with Hypertension

Objective:To explore the effects of losartan on endothelial function in patients with hypertension. Methods:The brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) and Nitroglycerin mediated dilation (NTG MD) were observed in 21 cases (treatment group) with primary hypertension using the high resolution ultrasonography before and after treatment with losartan (50 mg·d 1 ×12 w). Meanwhile, 20 healthy subjects and 18 patients with primary hypertension treated with hydrochorothiazide (12.5 mg, bid×12w) or betaloc (25～50 mg, bid×12 w) were recruited and served as two groups of control. Results:FMD in the two groups of hypertensive patients before treatment were significantly lower than that of the normal subjects(7.23%±2.27% and 7.36%±2.08% versus 11.79% ±3.06%, P 0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment, comparing with that before the treatment, FMD in those treated with losartan was significantly increased (10.53%±2.70%, P 0.01), but FMD in those treated with hydrochorothiazide or betaloc did not changed significantly. NTG MD was not significantly different between the treatment group and the two control groups or between the two control groups. Conclusion:Remarkable dysfunction of vascular endothelium could be observed in patients with primary hypertension, which can be effectively improved by treatment with losartan.