Protective effect of nebivolol to prevent target organ damage in hypertension

Abstract

Clinical organ damage in the cardiovascular (left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, coronary events, increased stiffness and atherosclerotic changes) are the major cause of death among patients with hypertension. Oxidative stress and aortic central pressure plays a key role in the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system and cardiovascular outcome. Antihypertensive agents may, even within the same class, exert variable effects on arterial stiffness variables and endothelial function. Nebivolol is a third-generation b-blocker with vasodilator activity. Its vasodilatory function is mediated by the endothelial L-arginine/NO pathway. Nebivolol increases the bioavailability of NO in the vasculare. In recent studies, nebivolol was demonstrated to improve artery stiffness to a greater extent than impact than conventional b-adrenolitics (atenolol, metoprolol). According to guidelines ESH/ESC some of the vasodilatating b-adrenolitics, such as celiprolol, carvedilol and nebivolol, are reducing central pulse pressure and aortic stiffness better than atenolol or metoprolol.