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Drug Treatment of Hypertension: Focus on Vascular Health

Drugs volume 76, pages 1529–1550 (2016)Cite this article

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 126 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK

    Alan C. Cameron, Ninian N. Lang & Rhian M. Touyz

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  1. Alan C. Cameron
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  2. Ninian N. Lang
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  3. Rhian M. Touyz
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Correspondence to Rhian M. Touyz.

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Alan C. Cameron, Ninian N. Lang and Rhian M. Touyz declare that they have no conflicts of interest that might be relevant to the contents of this manuscript.

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Cameron, A.C., Lang, N.N. & Touyz, R.M. Drug Treatment of Hypertension: Focus on Vascular Health. Drugs 76, 1529–1550 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-016-0642-8

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Keywords

  • Nitric Oxide
  • Endothelial Dysfunction
  • Endothelial Function
  • Arterial Stiffness
  • Pulse Wave Velocity