ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the efficacy of valsartan,benazepril and felodipine on reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH)in patients with hypertension and the relevant "aldosterone escape phenomena".Methods One hundred eleven patients with hypertension-related LVH were randomly to receive valsartan(80-160 mg/d,n=36),benazepril(10-20 mg/d,n=39)and felodipine(5 mg/d,n=36).Plasma angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)and aldosterone(Ald)were determined before and 10-14 weeks 20-26 weeks after treatment.Echocardiographic examinations and blood routine,urine routine,blood glucose,blood lipid,liver function and renal function were conducted in all subjects before and after treatment.Results Blood pressure was significantly decreased in all three groups(P0.05).Valsartan increased plasma Ang Ⅱ at 10-14 weeks and furthermore at 20-26 weeks;benazepril decreased plasma Ang Ⅱ initiatively with trend of rebound at 20-26 weeks;however,plasma Ang Ⅱ was kept constantly in felodipine group.Valsartan decreased Ald and sustained during the all treatment period.On contrary,benazepril initiatively decreased Ald which was rebound to baseline level at 20-26 weeks.No change in Ald by felodipine was found during the treatment.After treatment plasma Ald level was significantly related to the reduction of LVH in both valsartan and benazepril groups.36% patients in benazepril group was found to have "aldosterone escape".Conclusion The antihypertensive effect was similar between valsartan,benazepril and felodipine.Although three medications all reversed LVH,but valsartan,benazepril was more effective than felodipine.There was no evidence of aldosterone escape in the long-term treatment with valsartan.Valsartan might have more advantages in reversal of LVH than benazepril.Felodipine had no effect on the plasma level of aldosterone.