Drug treatment of hypertension: focus on vascular health

Cameron, A. C., Lang, N. N. and Touyz, R. M. (2016) Drug treatment of hypertension: focus on vascular health. Drugs, 76(16), pp. 1529-1550. (doi: 10.1007/s40265-016-0642-8) (PMID:27667708)

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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.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Lang, Professor Ninian and Cameron, Dr Alan and Touyz, Professor Rhian
Authors: Cameron, A. C., Lang, N. N., and Touyz, R. M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:Drugs
Publisher:Springer Verlag
ISSN:0012-6667
ISSN (Online):1179-1950
Published Online:26 September 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
First Published:First published in Drugs 76(16):1529-1550
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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