The effect of enalapril and telmisartan on clinical and biochemical indices of sympathetic activity in hypertensive patients.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of ARB and ACE inhibitor on sympathetic activity in 32 hypertensives. DESIGN AND METHODS: After a four-week wash-out period, patients were randomized to four weeks of therapy with enalapril or telmisrtan, with crossover to another drug for another four weeks. Blood pressure (BP), NPY, and catecholamine levels and HRV (frequency analysis) were measured during wash-out, in basal condition, and after postural stimulation test (PST). RESULTS: Both drugs significantly reduced BP and NPY as compared to initial values, while no differences in BP and NPY between drugs were observed. Increase in NPY during PST was significantly higher in the enalapril than in the telmisartan group and during the wash-out period. No differences between enalapril and telmisartan in plasma catecholamines were observed. Telmisartan decreased low frequency/high frequency ratio as compared to initial values and enalapril values. CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar BP control, telmisartan attenuated autonomic balance more effectively than enalapril.