Drug Treatment of Hypertension: Focus on Vascular Health.

Abstract

Hypertension, the most common preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death, is a growing health burden. Serious cardiovascular complications result from target organ damage including cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, ischaemic heart disease and renal failure. While many systems contribute to blood pressure (BP) elevation, the vascular system is particularly important because vascular dysfunction is a cause and consequence of hypertension. Hypertension is characterised by a vascular phenotype of endothelial dysfunction, arterial remodelling, vascular inflammation and increased stiffness. Antihypertensive drugs that influence vascular changes associated with high BP have greater efficacy for reducing cardiovascular risk than drugs that reduce BP, but have little or no effect on the adverse vascular phenotype. Angiotensin converting enzyme ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) improve endothelial function and prevent vascular remodelling. Calcium channel blockers also improve endothelial function, although to a lesser extent than ACEIs and ARBs. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockers improve endothelial function and reduce arterial stiffness, and have recently become more established as antihypertensive drugs. Lifestyle factors are essential in preventing the adverse vascular changes associated with high BP and reducing associated cardiovascular risk. Clinicians and scientists should incorporate these factors into treatment decisions for patients with high BP, as well as in the development of new antihypertensive drugs that promote vascular health.

• Authors: Alan C Cameron, Ninian N Lang, Rhian M Touyz
• Journal: Drugs (Drugs) Vol. 76 Issue 16 Pg. 1529-1550 (Oct 2016) ISSN: 1179-1950 [Electronic] New Zealand
• PMID: 27667708 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
• Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
• Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
• Antihypertensive Agents
• Calcium Channel Blockers

Topics

• Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists (administration & dosage, chemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (administration & dosage, chemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Antihypertensive Agents (chemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Blood Pressure (drug effects)
• Calcium Channel Blockers (administration & dosage, chemistry, therapeutic use)
• Cardiovascular Diseases (prevention & control)
• Cerebrovascular Disorders (drug therapy)
• Heart Failure (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Hypertension (drug therapy)
• Renal Insufficiency (drug therapy)
• Risk Factors