Combination Enalapril And Folic Acid Protects From Endothelial Dysfunction In Essential Hypertension Patients

Objective:Hypertension can lead to increased homocysterine (HCY) levels and endothelial dysfunction. Both of enalapril and folic acid have been demonstrated with a protective effect on endothelial dysfunction, however, the curative effect of combined usage remains unclear.Methods:62patients with mild-moderate primary hypertension were divided into two groups: a combined usage of enalapril and folic acid (A group) and enalapril alone (B group). Both groups were treated for8weeks. Blood pressure and the levels of ET-1, NO and HCY were measured before and after treatment.Results:Both two groups had a similar effect on blood pressure control (p>0.05). Decreased HCY, ET-1and increased NO levels were found in both groups after treatment. A positive correlation were found between HCY and ET-1levels (r=0.8438, p<0.05), while HCY and NO levels were negative correlated (r=-0.8037, p<0.05). The degree of HCY, ET-1reduction and NO elevation were significantly higher in patients treated with both enalapril and folic acid compared with enalapril alone (p<0.05).Conclusion:The combined usage of enalapril and folic acid has a better protective effect on endothelial dysfunction in patients with hypertension.