Addition of a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor to a calcium channel blocker ameliorates arterial stiffness

BACKGROUND: The aim of controlling hypertension is to protect against arteriosclerosis. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors have been reported to have antihypertensive effects, but their effect on the progression of arteriosclerosis is not fully understood. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was developed to estimate arterial stiffness, which reflects arteriosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the longer term effects of CCBs and RAAS inhibitors on the progression of arteriosclerosis by monitoring the CAVI. METHODS: Our subjects were 115 consecutive, non-smoking hypertensive patients on oral treatment with a CCB and/or RAAS inhibitor for at least 3 years in whom the CAVI was measured on two occasions approximately 1 year apart during the period from January 2009 to December 2011. Changes in CAVI were evaluated in patients administered a CCB alone (group C), an RAAS inhibitor (group R) alone, or both drugs together (group B). Changes in laboratory findings, blood pressure, and ankle-brachial index were similarly evaluated. RESULTS: No significant change in laboratory findings, blood pressure, or ankle-brachial index was noted in any of the groups. The CAVI decreased slightly in group R (first recording 8.80±1.03, second recording 8.57±0.97, P=0.517) and increased significantly in group C (first 8.45±0.92, second 8.95±1.04, P=0.038), but showed no significant change in group B (first 9.01±1.26, second 9.05±1.35, P=0.851). CONCLUSION: Long-term administration of a CCB alone increased the CAVI, but this effect was offset by the concomitant use of a RAAS inhibitor, indicating that a RAAS inhibitor might protect against arteriosclerosis.