Valsartan Improves Endothelial Function in Essential Hypertension Patients

Objective To evaluate the effect of valsartan on endothelial function in patients with essential hypertension. Methods Thirty six patients of essential hypertension recieved valsartan(80 mg/d) for 8 weeks. After treatment, serum NO, SOD and MDA were measured using chemically colorimetric method. Brachial artery endothelium-dependent dilation function(FMD) was determined by high resolution ultrasonography. Twenty six health adults served as controls. Results Compared with the control, FMD was significantly decreased (P0.01) but improved obviously after the treatment (P0.01). NO level was lower in the group of essential hypertension than that in the normal control (P0.01), which was significantly increased after treatment (P0.01). SOD activity was significantly lower than that of normal control (P0.01), whereas MDA was increased (P0.01). After the treatment, SOD activity was increased greatly (P0.01), along with decreases in MDA (P0.01). Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between NO level and the changes in FMD after the treatment of valsartan (P0.01). Conclusion Valsartan treatment improve brachinal endothelium-dependent dilatation function and decrease the oxidative stress in patients with essential hypertension. [