Abstract
Effects of captopril on the peripheral hemodynamics, platelet function, plasma prostaglandins and other blood parameters were studied in 9 patients (mean age 68.4 years) with essential hypertension. Blood flow and maximum venous out flow of the bilateral forearm and calf were increased 8 weeks after treatment with oral administration of 37.5mg of captopril per day. There was a tendency that collagen- and arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation were decreased, plasma thromboxane B2 was decreased, plasma triglyceride was decreased and plasma renin activity was increased 8 weeks after the captopril treatment. The level of serum insulin was significantly decreased and plasma fibrinolytic activity was significantly increased 8 weeks after the treatment.
These results show that captopril may have beneficial effects on peripheral hemodynamics, platelet function and plasma fibrinolysis to prevent thrombotic complication in the treatment of patients with essential hypertension.
