February 15, 2005
View Full PaperBenefits from angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ‘beyond blood pressure lowering’: beyond blood pressure or beyond the brachial artery?
Structured PICO
Does ramipril reduce aortic systolic pressure more than atenolol?
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Intervention
Ramipril
C
Comparator
Atenolol
O
Outcome
Aortic systolic pressuresurrogate
The greater clinical benefit of ramipril over atenolol may be explained by a greater reduction in central aortic systolic pressure rather than just brachial blood pressure.
Abstract
A greater (average, 5.2 mmHg) decrease in aortic systolic pressure caused by ramipril may explain the greater benefit of ramipril over atenolol. The difference is attributable to decreased stiffness of peripheral arteries and a reduction in wave reflection.