Effect of enalapril maleate on vascular endothelial function and platelet-endothelial interactions in patients with essential hypertension

Aim. Evaluation of endothelial function and platelet-endothelial interactions in patients with essential hypertension and dynamics of these changes in the course of treatment with enalapril maleate. Materials and methods. The study included 37 patients with essential hypertension and 22 normotensive volonteers. 17 of hypertensive patients received enalapril maleate (enap, KRKA) 5-20 mg/day during the period of 1.5 months. The complex of investigations included: measurement of total plasma cholesterol, 12-lead ECG, echocardiography, high-resolution ultrasound investigation of brachio-cephalic arteries, evaluation of flow mediated dilatation, measurement of von Willebrand's factor, spontaneous and induced platelet aggregation. Results. Patients with essential hypertension exhibited higher levels of von Willebrand's factor in plasma and degree of spontaneous and induced platelet aggregation as well as lower responses of vessel wall to hemodynamic stimuli compared to normotensive healthy individuals. There,vas a strong correlation between endothelial function markers and CAD risk factors, elevation of platelet activity. Treatment with enalapril maleate led to a statistically significant decrease of von Willebrand's factor in plasma and ex vivo platelet aggregation whereas flow-mediated dilatation increased. Values of endothelial function markers and platelet activity approached to those of normotensive subjects and these changes were accompanied by a decrease of ECC signs of left ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusion. Patients with essential hypertension were found to have compromised endothelial function. However, the degree of endothelial dysfunction depends not on hemodynamic parameters, but on the cumulative effect of CAD risk factors. Treatment with enalapril maleate may lead to normalisation of endothelial function and decrease of platelet activity.