title: The role of renin-angiotensin system in prothrombotic state in essential hypertension.
abstract: Rheological, haemostatic, endothelial and platelet abnormalities appear to play a role in the thrombotic complications of hypertension. This prothrombotic/hypercoagulable state in hypertension may contribute to the increased risk and severity of target organ damage. It can be induced by the activated renin-angiotensin system (RAS), with abnormalities in endothelial and platelet function, coagulation and fibrinolysis. Treatment of uncomplicated essential hypertension by RAS targeting antihypertensive therapy could result in a reversal of prothrombotic abnormalities, contributing to a reduction of thrombosis-related complications. Since angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) have two distinct mechanisms of RAS interruption, it is hypothesized that each therapy might have different impact on the prothrombotic state in hypertensive patients. Some studies demonstrate a beneficial effect of both ACE inhibitors and ARBs on prothrombotic state, in addition to their efficacy to normalize elevated blood pressure. The potentially antithrombotic effect of the RAS inhibiting agents may in turn support the preservation of cardiovascular function. Available data may offer an additional explanation for the efficacy of the RAS targeting agents in the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Military Hospital, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. remkova@gmail.com
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Remková
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Remko
mesh_terms: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents