Ramipril and amlodipin therapy effects on endothelial vasodilatation in women with postmenopausal metabolic syndrome
Aim. To compare the effects of ramipril and amlodipin on the vasodilatation function of endothelium in arterial hypertension (AH) treatment in women with postmenopausal metabolic syndrome (MS). Material and methods. Study included 80 postmenopausal women with AH and MS. Control group consisted of 25 women without apparent disease. Duration of treatment was 24 weeks. Antihypertensive effect of these drug combinations and their effects on the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation were evaluated. Endothelial function was analyzed by the reactive hyperemia test using high-resolution ultrasound; nitric oxide metabolites were measured in blood serum by the method of Emchenco et. al. (1994). Results. It was shown that ramipril in combination with amlodipine more effectively controlled blood pressure in postmenopausal patients with AH and MS. This combination therapy had a more pronounced endothelium-protective effect characterized by recovering of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDV) and increased production of nitric oxide metabolites. Conclusion. Therefore ramipril in combination with amlodipine can be recommended for the treatment of postmenopausal women with AH and MS.