Impact of olmesartan on blood pressure, endothelial function, and cardiovascular outcomes

Figures & data

Figure 1 Agents that act continuously in the tone regulation of the vasculature.

Abbreviations: NO, nitric oxide; EDHF, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor.

Table 1 Methods for measuring endothelial function

Noninvasive
Ultrasound flow-mediated dilation
Flow-mediated magnetic resonance imaging
Pulse wave analysis
Pulse contour analysis
Laser doppler skin flowmetry
Pulse amplitude tonometry
Invasive
Cardiac catheterization
Venous occlusion plethysmography

Figure 2 High-resolution ultrasound images showing the brachial artery before (left) and after (right) arterial occlusion.

Figure 3 Distensibility and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Simple tubular models of the arterial system, connecting the heart (left) to the peripheral circulation (right). Top: normal distensibility and normal PWV in a young subject. Bottom: decreased distensibility with increased PWV in an old subject. Copyright © 2007. Reproduced with permission from O’Rourke MF, Hashimoto J. Mechanical factors in arterial aging: a clinical perspective. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;50(1):1–13.

Figure 4 Cascade of events that, if not blocked, will lead to death.

Figure 5 Mechanisms of action of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

Abbreviations: ANG I, angiotensin I; ANG II, angiotensin II; AT1, angiotensin II type 1 receptor; AT2, angiotensin II type 2 receptor; PAI-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1; NO, nitric oxide; PGF₂, prostaglandin growth factor 2.

Figure 6 Reductions in mean 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure with 4 different ARBs.

Note: *P < 0.05 compared with olmesartan.