Effects of losartan and delapril on the fibrinolytic system in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.

Background And Objectives: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) probably influences the fibrinolytic system at a central point by converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which increases plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity. This effect appears to be mediated in humans via the angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor. The objective of this study was to evaluate, in patients with mild to moderate hypertension, the change in tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and PAI-1 plasma levels after treatment with an AT(1)-receptor blocker (losartan 50 mg/day) or an ACE inhibitor (delapril 60 mg/day).

Effects of high-dose furosemide and small-volume hypertonic saline solution infusion in comparison with a high dose of furosemide as bolus in refractory congestive heart failure: long-term effects.

Background: Diuretics have been accepted as first-line treatment in refractory congestive heart failure (CHF), but a lack of response to them is a frequent event. A randomized, single-blind study was performed to evaluate the effects of the combination of high-dose furosemide and small-volume hypertonic saline solution (HSS) infusion in the treatment of refractory New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV CHF and a normosodic diet during follow-up. Materials and Methods One hundred seven patients (39 women and 68 men, age range 65-90 years) with refractory CHF (NYHA class IV) of different etiologies, who were unresponsive to high oral doses of furosemide, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, digitalis, and nitrates, were enrolled.

Can losartan improve cardiac performance during the treadmill exercise test in hypertensive subjects?

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) normally increases during exercise. This increase is frequently exaggerated in hypertensive individuals. The aim of our study was to evaluate the antihypertensive effects of losartan at peak exercise and on cardiac performance during the treadmill test in individuals with essential hypertension.

Comparison of the effects of felodipine and cilazapril on exercise performance in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. A crossover study.

This double-blind crossover study was designed to compare the effects of felodipine and cilazapril on exercise performance in hypertensive patients. After a 2-week placebo run-in period, 40 patients with mild to moderate hypertension were randomized into two parallel groups to receive either felodipine (10 mg) or cilazapril (5 mg) for 4 weeks. After another 2-week washout period, treatments were then crossed over for a further 4-week study period.