ABSTRACT
Regulation of the fibrinolytic balance between plasminogen activators and inhibitors is modulated by the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Impaired fibrinolytic function, characterized by increased plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) levels and decreased tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity, has been found in patients with hypertension and may account in part for the increased risk of atherosclerosis and its clinical complications in these patients. In this regard, data from the literature indicate that different antihypertensive drugs may vary in their influence on fibrinolysis. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ACE-I) have generally been shown to improve the fibrinolytic balance by reducing plasma PAI-1 levels. Calcium-channel blockers (CCB) have been reported to increase t-PA activity, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) seem to be neutral in their effect. In the light of these data, this study aimed to compare the effects of ACE-I, ARB, and CCB on the fibrinolytic system in the early and late stages of the treatment in hypertensive patients. These data that the beneficial effect of RAS inhibition on fibrinolysis related to decrease in Ang II during early period of treatment. Amlodipine may also improve thrombogenic risk related to lowering the effect on increased platelet activation reflected by p-selectin. The greater improvement in the early and late stages of the fibrinolytic balance because of the combined action of RAS inhibition and Ca antagonism represents a further indication to the use of combinations of RAS inhibition (ACE-I or ARB) and CCB in the treatment of hypertension.