Effect of angiotensin II receptor blockade on arterial stiffness: Beyond blood pressure reduction

We compared the effect of losartan (50 mg/day) to hydro-chlorthiazide (12.5 mg/day) on blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in 11 untreated hypertensive patients aged 47 to 69 years in a 4-week single blind randomized crossover study with an intervening 4-week washout period. Both drugs produced a significant (P < .001) and similar decrease in brachial BP. Only losartan induced a significant decrease in arterial wave reflection (P < .0001), with a preferential reduction in aortic (P < .001) compared to brachial pulse pressure. Losartan also significantly increased pulse pressure amplification and reduced pulse wave velocity. These results suggest that an AT(1)receptor antagonist induces a BP independent decrease in aortic stiffness and arterial wave reflection. (C) 2002 American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.