Angiotensin II antagonism and the heart: valsartan in left ventricular hypertrophy.

Abstract

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) represents an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and normalization of left ventricular mass has become a desirable goal of antihypertensive treatment. In a randomized, double-blind study, the angiotensin II (AT1-receptor) antagonist valsartan (Diovan ; 80-160 mg q.d.) was compared with the beta-blocker atenolol (50-100 mg q.d.) over 8 months in previously untreated patients with essential hypertension and LVH. Sixty-nine patients were randomized, of whom 58 were evaluated by echocardiography. After 8 months of treatment in the atenolol group [n = 8 with additional hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)], initial blood pressure was reduced from 160/103 to 147/92 mm Hg (p < 0.0001). In the valsartan group (n = 9 with HCTZ), blood pressure decreased from 163/101 to 146/90 mm Hg (p < 0.0001). Left ventricular mass index decreased from 127 to 117 g/m2 in the atenolol group and from 127 to 106 g/m2 in the valsartan group. Long-term treatment with valsartan resulted in a significant reduction of LVH in patients with essential hypertension.

• Authors: P A Thürmann
• Journal: Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology (J Cardiovasc Pharmacol) Vol. 33 Suppl 1 Pg. S33-6; discussion S41-3 ( 1999) ISSN: 0160-2446 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10028952 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Antihypertensive Agents
• Tetrazoles
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Angiotensin II
• Atenolol
• Valsartan
• Valine

Topics

• Angiotensin II (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Antihypertensive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Atenolol (therapeutic use)
• Blood Pressure (drug effects)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Hydrochlorothiazide (therapeutic use)
• Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular (drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Tetrazoles (therapeutic use)
• Valine (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Valsartan