Plasma Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and p-Selectin Levels in Urgent Hypertension: Effect of Single Dose Captopril and Nifedipin on Fibrinolytic Activity

Abstract

In this study, we primarily aimed to identify the acute effects of hypertension on fibrinolytic function in previously untreated urgent hypertensive patients and to evaluate the influence of two commonly used, short-acting, anti-hypertensive agents, captopril and nifedipine, in these patients. Patient groups were selected homogeneously, i.e., only previously untreated patients amidst an urgent hypertensive episode and having no co-morbid disease were included–and randomly assigned to receive either captopril or nifedipine for immediate management. These two treatment groups were matched for age, gender, and mean arterial blood pressure. Study results demonstrated that lowering blood pressure with either agent improved fibrinolytic function; however, in those patients given captopril, this beneficial effect was more prominent, providing evidence supporting the preferential use of short-acting, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in this setting.

Keywords:

• urgent hypertension
• plasminogen activator inhibitor 1
• p-selectin
• captopril
• nifedipin