Effects of candesartan and lisinopril on the fibrinolytic system in hypertensive patients

The effects of the angiotensin II receptor blocker candesartan and the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril on the fibrinolytic system were investigated in a double-blinded, prospective, randomized study. Seventy-seven hypertensive patients taking candesartan (n=41) and lisinopril (n=36) with a systolic blood pressure >130 mm Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure >80 mm Hg obtained by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement were included in the study. Blood pressure, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and the molar ratio of PAI-1/tPA were determined before treatment and 6 weeks later. Blood pressure decreased in both groups (candesartan, 155/85 mm Hg to 140/84 mm Hg; P<.05; lisinopril, 152/85 mm Hg to 138/83 mm Hg; P<.05). The fibrinolytic balance was significantly different between treatment groups (molar ratio of PAI-1/tPA: candesartan, 3.66 [2.2]; lisinopril, 5.44 [2.6]; P<.05). In contrast to lisinopril, the balance between coagulation and fibrinolytic activity shifted toward fibrinolysis during candesartan treatment.