Key result
RAS blockers and CCBs improve microvascular structure and arterial mechanics, unlike beta-blockers or diuretics.
Why the study?
The interrelationship between macrovascular and microvascular structure and function and their impact on blood pressure and prognosis is not fully understood.
Macrovasculature and microvasculature are interrelated, and may influence each other.Microvascular structure is not only the site of vascular resistance but probably also the origin of most of the wave reflections generating increased central systolic blood pressure.Some index of large artery stiffness seems to be related with the media to lumen ratio of subcutaneous small resistance arteries of hypertensive patients.In addition, both microvascular structural alterations and changes in the mechanical properties of large arteries represent potent predictors of prognosis.In addition, drugs that may improve microvascular structure may also correct alterations in the mechanical properties of large arteries In fact, while b-blocking agents and diuretics have a negligible effect on microvascular structure, renin-angiotensin system antagonists and calcium entry blockers have favorable actions, improving also large artery mechanics and possibly reducing central wave reflections.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Rizzoni et al. (2010) conducted a review in Hypertension. Antihypertensive therapy was evaluated. Renin-angiotensin system antagonists and calcium entry blockers improve both microvascular structure and large artery mechanics, whereas beta-blockers and diuretics have a negligible effect.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: