Acarbose effects on vascular stiffness in patients with arterial hypertension and metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Aim. To assess perspectives of pulse wave velocity (PWV) correction during acarbose treatment in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and arterial hypertension (AH). Material and methods. An open clinical trial included 45 patients (18 males and 27 females) aged 18-60 years, with body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2, IGT, and elevated blood pressure (BP). After envelope method randomization, all patients were divided into three groups: active acarbose treatment groups (maximal dose 150 mg/d or 300 mg/d) and previous therapy group. In all groups, non-pharmaceutical lifestyle modification and weight control measures were performed (diet, increased physical activity). Treatment phase lasted for 24 weeks. Dynamics of BP, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, PWV for vessels of various diameters, by Complior protocol and with Colson device, were registered. Results. Acarbose treatment resulted not only in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism improvement, but also in artery elasticity improvement among overweight patients with IGT. Conclusion. In patients with IGT and excess body weight, acarbose in doses of 150-300 mg/d, added to nonpharmaceutical intervention, was associated with PWV normalization, and could be regarded as a sign of beneficial acarbose influence on large vessel elasticity.

Keywords

• arterial hypertension
• impaired glucose tolerance
• overweight
• vascular stiffness
• pulse wave velocity
• acarbose