In a nutshell
This study looked at the effects of allisartan isoproxil (Xin Li Tan) on blood vessel function in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure). They found that this medication improves blood vessel function in these patients.
Some background
Allisartan isoproxil (Alli) is a medication used to lower blood pressure (BP). It is a newer angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) that has been shown to effectively reduce BP and protect organs from damage. However, it is not known if it improves blood vessel function as well.
Methods & findings
68 patients with mildly increased BP were enrolled in this study. Half were treated with Alli and given lifestyle advice, the other half were just given lifestyle advice. 36 patients with normal BP were also enrolled as a control group. Patients were followed up after 30 days and tests were done to measure their BP and their blood vessel function. One of these tests of blood vessel function is the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). This is a measure of blood vessel stiffness. Higher values indicate higher stiffness, which is related to heart complications.
After 30 days the average BP of the Alli group was significantly lower than at the beginning of the study (from 151.1/95.7 mmHg to 137.9/86.4 mmHg). It was also significantly lower than that of the lifestyle group (137/86 compared to 148/95). The baPWV of the Alli group decreased by 102.8 cm/s while that of the lifestyle group was unchanged. The baPWV was similar between the Alli group after 30 days of treatment and the healthy control group.
The bottom line
This study showed that allisartan isoproxil effectively lowers blood pressure and improves blood vessel function in patients with mildly increased BP.
The fine print
This was a small study over a short period of time. Alli is only approved in China. Further studies are needed.
Published By :
Advances in therapy
Date :
Jun 24, 2020
