Effect of losartan on different biochemical parameters in essential hypertensive patients

Abstract

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) provides the most powerful regulation of blood pressure and angiotensin II is the primary mediator in this system. The binding of angiotensin II to AT1 receptors produces a number of potentially harmful effects that include increase in blood pressure, progression of atherosclerosis, myocardial and vascular hypertrophy. Losartan was the first ARB and found to reduce the risk of stroke, new onset of diabetes and to have a proven benefit in stroke. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of losartan on different biochemical parameters viz; blood sugar, lipid profile, uric acid and serum electrolytes. 29 newly diagnosed patients of either gender with essential hypertension were included in the study. Baseline readings of lipid profile, serum electrolytes, fasting blood sugar and uric acid were recorded before starting losartan monotherapy and were repeated after six months.After comparing the means, it was revealed that there was a significant increase in HDL cholesterol and a significant decrease in serum uric acid levels after six months of losartan therapy. No significant difference was found in blood sugar and electrolyte levels.These findings suggest that losartan can be an attractive option for the treatment of hypertension and for metabolic syndrome.