Addition of a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor to a calcium channel blocker ameliorates arterial stiffness.

Background: The aim of controlling hypertension is to protect against arteriosclerosis. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors have been reported to have antihypertensive effects, but their effect on the progression of arteriosclerosis is not fully understood. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was developed to estimate arterial stiffness, which reflects arteriosclerosis.

[The characteristics of urinary tract infection with urosepsis].

Background And Purpose: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequently complicated with bacteremia. Many cases of this infection are diagnosed and treated by general practitioners. We retrospectively exam- ined the characteristics of UTIs presenting with urosepsis.

Insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in smokers: effects of vitamin C.

Cigarette smoking impairs endothelial function and is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Insulin resistance is associated with major risk factors for atherosclerosis. We examined the effects of vitamin C on insulin sensitivity and endothelial function by measuring steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery.