A Comparative Study of Central and Peripheral Arterial Parameters in Hypertensive Patients on Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers

Abstract

Aims: Untreated or inappropriately managed hypertension (HTN) is a significant risk factor for all-cause morbidity and mortality due to its complications. For proper management of HTN, timely diagnosis and classification into appropriate category is crucial. According to hypertensive class category, pharmacological therapy can be initiated according to the national or international guidelines. Various antihypertensive medications have differential effects on peripheral and central arterial parameters. Our study was aimed at comparing the effects of two classes of antihypertensive drugs, i.e., angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Materials and Methods: Hypertensive patients on monotherapy – ARBs (Group 1, n = 35) and CCBs (Group 2, n = 35) – over the age of 18 years, belonging to both genders, were recruited. Results: Heart rate and peripheral and central arterial pressures were lower in Group 2 compared to Group 1; ankle brachial index and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity were less in Group 1 in comparison with Group 2; but these differences were statistically not significant. Conclusions: We conclude that the two groups of drugs were equally effective in blood pressure reduction, both in central and peripheral arteries.