Bosentan therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: A systemic review and meta-analysis

Pulmonary arterial hypertension nanotherapeutics: New pharmacological targets and drug delivery strategies

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, serious, and incurable disease characterized by high lung pressure. PAH-approved drugs based on conventional pathways are still not exhibiting favorable therapeutic outcomes. Drawbacks like short half-lives, toxicity, and teratogenicity hamper effectiveness, clinical conventionality, and long-term safety. Hence, approaches like repurposing drugs targeting various and new pharmacological cascades and/or loaded in non-toxic/efficient nanocarrier systems are being investigated lately. This review summarizes the status of conventional, repurposed, either in vitro, in vivo, and/or in clinical trials of PAH treatment. In-depth description, discussion, and classification of the new pharmacological targets and nanomedicine strategies with a description of all the nanocarriers that showed promising efficiency in delivering drugs are discussed. Ultimately, an illustration of the different nucleic acids tailored and nanoencapsulated within different types of nanocarriers to restore the pathways affected by this disease is presented.

Perioperative Management in Pulmonary Endarterectomy

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the treatment of choice for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (PH), provided lesions are proximal enough in the pulmonary vasculature to be surgically accessible and the patient is well enough to benefit from the operation in the longer term. It is a major cardiothoracic operation, requiring specialized techniques and instruments developed over several decades to access and dissect out the intra-arterial fibrotic material. While in-hospital operative mortality is low (<5%), particularly in high-volume centers, careful perioperative management in the operating theater and intensive care is mandatory to balance ventricular performance, fluid balance, ventilation, and coagulation to avoid or treat complications. Reperfusion pulmonary edema, airway hemorrhage, and right ventricular failure are the most problematic complications, often requiring the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to bridge to recovery. Successful PEA has been shown to improve both morbidity and mortality in large registries, with survival >70% at 10 years. For patients not suitable for PEA or with residual PH after PEA, balloon pulmonary angioplasty and/or PH medical therapy may prove beneficial. Here, we describe the indications for PEA, specific surgical and perioperative strategies, postoperative monitoring and management, and approaches for managing residual PH in the long term.

Pressure Overload and Right Ventricular Failure: From Pathophysiology to Treatment

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is often caused by increased afterload and disrupted coupling between the right ventricle (RV) and the pulmonary arteries (PAs). After a phase of adaptive hypertrophy, pressure-overloaded RVs evolve towards maladaptive hypertrophy and finally ventricular dilatation, with reduced stroke volume and systemic congestion. In this article, we review the concept of RV-PA coupling, which depicts the interaction between RV contractility and afterload, as well as the invasive and non-invasive techniques for its assessment. The current principles of RVF management based on pathophysiology and underlying etiology are subsequently discussed. Treatment strategies remain a challenge and range from fluid management and afterload reduction in moderate RVF to vasopressor therapy, inotropic support and, occasionally, mechanical circulatory support in severe RVF.

Current Status of Endothelin Receptor Antagonists in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Combined Study Results and Pharmacology-Based Review

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) affects a wide range of people globally and has a poor prognosis despite many advancements in available treatment options. Among the available treatments, endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA) are among the most widely used drugs. These drugs have been evaluated in scientific trials. We included free full texts in the English language from the last ten years and reviewed them. We are writing this review to amalgamate the pharmacological aspects and the previous studies on ERAs to demonstrate a comprehensive overview of the current status of ERAs for PAH treatment. We focused on the structure, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy and safety of the three most widely used ERAs: Bosentan, Ambrisentan, and Macitentan. These drugs have different receptor affinities, bioavailability, excretion routes, and different levels of safety profiles. There are three available studies, the RCT, the ARIES series, and the SERAPHIN studies, for assessing the safety and efficacy of Bosentan, Ambrisentan, and Macitentan, respectively. All the studies and some additional studies for combination therapy have proven all three drugs effective in treating PAH. The side effects (SE) varied from headache and hepatic enzyme elevation to worsening the PAH status of varied severities. Although these studies provided valuable insight into the role of ERAs, there is still enough scope for more studies on ERAs, both as monotherapy and combination therapy for PAH.

Pathophysiology and Treatment of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a condition in which an organic thrombus remains in the pulmonary artery (PA) even after receiving anticoagulation therapy for more than 3 months and is complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH), leading to right-sided heart failure and death. CTEPH is a progressive pulmonary vascular disease with a poor prognosis if left untreated. The standard treatment for CTEPH is pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), which is usually performed only in specialized centers. In recent years, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) and drug therapy for CTEPH have also shown good results. This review discusses the complex pathogenesis of CTEPH and presents the standard of care, PEA, as well as a new device called BPA, which is showing remarkable progress in efficacy and safety. Additionally, several drugs are now demonstrating established evidence of efficacy in treating CTEPH.

Efficacy and safety of endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase type 5 Inhibitors, and prostaglandins in pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension: A network meta-analysis

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling and increased pulmonary artery pressure, leading to impaired lung oxygenation, right heart failure, and even death. Although great advances have been made in PAH-targeted medications for pediatric patients, the efficacy and safety of these treatments are controversial.

Methods

We retrieved relevant articles from electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until 12 April 2022. To compare the effectiveness and safety of endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs), phosphodiesterase type 5 Inhibitors (PDE-5i), and prostaglandins (ProA) in the treatment of pediatric PAH, we investigated six hemodynamic parameters, four respiratory parameters, intensive care unit (ICU) stay duration, length of hospital stay, and two safety outcomes.

Results

A total of 27 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis with 1,574 pediatric participants. The duration of mechanical ventilation was shorter for patients using bosentan, sildenafil, and ProsA, compared with that for patients using the placebo. Bosentan helped to shorten more time for mechanical ventilation than ProsA did, while ProsA was more effective than sildenafil in this respect. As for the length of stay in the ICU, patients administered by ProsA or sildenafil needed shorter ICU stay, compared to those using the placebo, while ProsA was more effective for shortening ICU stay time. In light of safety outcomes, there was a statistically significant difference between the sildenafil and the placebo group. Sildenafil surpassed ProsA in reducing the incidence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) crisis.

Conclusions

ERAs were more effective than ProsA in shortening the duration of mechanical ventilation, while ProsA were better for shortening the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay than PDE-5i. PDE-5i were found to generate more benefits in decreasing the occurrence of PH crisis, though further investigation is warranted.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=351505.

Current Therapy and Liver Transplantation for Portopulmonary Hypertension in Japan

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) and hepatopulmonary syndrome are severe pulmonary complications associated with liver cirrhosis (LC) and portal hypertension. Three key pathways, involving endothelin, nitric oxide, and prostacyclin, have been identified in the development and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). To obtain a good effect with PAH-specific drugs in PoPH patients, it is important to diagnose PoPH at an early stage and promptly initiate therapy. The majority of therapeutic drugs are contraindicated for Child-Pugh grade C LC, and their effects decrease in the severe PAH stage. Among many LC patients, the measurement of serum brain natriuretic peptide levels might be useful for detecting PoPH. Previously, liver transplantation (LT) for PoPH was contraindicated; however, the indications for LT are changing and now take into account how well the PoPH is controlled by therapeutic drugs. In Japan, new registration criteria for deceased-donor LT have been established for PoPH patients. PoPH patients with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure <35 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance <400 dyn/s/cm−5 are indicated for LT, regardless of whether they are using therapeutic drugs. Combined with PAH-specific drugs, LT may lead to excellent long-term outcomes in PoPH patients. We aimed to review current therapies for PoPH, including LT.

Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Bosentan Treatment in Rats: Focus on Plasma and Erythrocyte Parameters

The objective of our study was to contribute to the characterization of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in a rat model, with emphasis on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, parameters of oxidative stress, the activity of matrix metalloproteinases, and erythrocyte parameters. Moreover, we aimed to analyze the effects of bosentan. Experiments were performed on 12-week-old male Wistar rats randomly assigned to 3 groups: control, monocrotaline-treated (60 mg/kg), and monocrotaline combined with bosentan (300 mg/kg/day). Our study confirmed the well-known effects of monocrotaline administration on lungs and the right ventricle, as well as pulmonary arterial pressure. In addition, we observed activation of the alternative pathway of the renin-angiotensin system, namely an increase in angiotensin (Ang) 1-7 and Ang 1-5 together with an increase in Ang I, but without any change in Ang II level, and downregulation of aldosterone 4 weeks after monocrotaline administration. For the first time, modifications of erythrocyte Na,K-ATPase enzyme kinetics were demonstrated as well. Our observations do not support data obtained in PAH patients showing an increase in Ang II levels, increase in oxidative stress, and deterioration in RBC deformability. Although bosentan primarily targets the vascular smooth muscle, our study confirmed its antioxidant effect. The obtained data suggest that besides the known action of bosentan, it decreases heart rate and increases erythrocyte deformability, and hence could have a beneficial hemodynamic effect in the PAH condition.

Pulmonary artery targeted therapy in treatment of COVID-19 related ARDS. Literature review

INTRODUCTION

The most grievous complication of the COVID-19 is the acute respiratory distress syndrome. A specific, rescue treatment for rapidly deteriorating patients should emerge to improve respiratory function and help patients to survive the most challenging period. Drugs used in targeted therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) appears to be suitable for this task and this article describes their potential for treatment of severe cases of COVID-19.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the following databases for randomized controlled trials, reviews and meta-analyses published up to July 2020: Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database and ClinicalKey. The authors included every study contributory to the assessment of the potential of drugs used in targeted PAH therapy in treatment of COVID-19.

RESULTS

Endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, riociguat and prostacyclin have proven ani-inflammatory effect and reduce pulmonary artery blood pressure, lung oedema and remodelling. Bosentan shows antiviral properties and sildenafil, as well as epoprostenol, inhibits apoptosis of lung epithelial cells. Among patients with lung lesions the decrease of pulmonary blood pressure can lead to increase of ventilation/perfusion mismatch and decrease of blood oxygenation.

CONCLUSIONS

Among all assessed drugs bosentan, sildenafil and epoprostenol appear to be most promising and a combination of these drugs should be considered due to synergism. The targeted PAH therapy in treatment of COVID-19 associated ARDS could be a useful tool saving lives of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, however, its introduction should be investigated and monitored very carefully as it can lead to transient deterioration of patient condition.

Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals Marker Genes and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare cardiovascular disease with very high mortality rate. The currently available therapeutic strategies, which improve symptoms, cannot fundamentally reverse the condition. Thus, new therapeutic strategies need to be established. Our research analyzed three microarray datasets of lung tissues from human PAH samples retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We combined two datasets for subsequent analyses, with the batch effects removed. In the merged dataset, 542 DEGs were identified and the key module relevant to PAH was selected using WGCNA. GO and KEGG analyses of DEGs and the key module indicated that the pre-ribosome, ribosome biogenesis, centriole, ATPase activity, helicase activity, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, melanoma, and dilated cardiomyopathy pathways are involved in PAH. With the filtering standard (|MM| > 0.95 and |GS| > 0.90), 70 hub genes were identified. Subsequently, five candidate marker genes (CDC5L, AP3B1, ZFYVE16, DDX46, and PHAX) in the key module were found through overlapping with the top thirty genes calculated by two different methods in CytoHubb. Two of them (CDC5L and DDX46) were found to be significantly upregulated both in the merged dataset and the validating dataset in PAH patients. Meanwhile, expression of the selected genes in lung from PAH chicken measured by qRT-PCR and the ROC curve analyses further verified the potential marker genes' predictive value for PAH. In conclusion, CDC5L and DDX46 may be marker genes and potential therapeutic targets for PAH.

Comparative assessment of efficacy and safety of ambrisentan and bosentan in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: A meta-analysis

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Two endothelin receptor antagonists, ambrisentan and bosentan, have been demonstrated to be effective individually compared with placebo in the treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This network meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety of ambrisentan and bosentan in patients with PAH.

METHODS

Clinical trials were identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL/CCTR), EMBASE and PubMed databases. Weighted mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for continuous outcomes (6-min walk distance [6MWD] and Borg dyspnoea index [BDI]). Hazard ratio (HR) was calculated for binary outcomes, including clinical worsening, discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs) and liver dysfunction. Surface under cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used to rank the treatments in each index.

RESULTS

Five clinical trials from four published studies (total patients: n = 920) were included. Ambrisentan and bosentan showed no significant difference in 6MWD (MD: -1.32; 95% CI: -27.87, 25.31, SUCRA score: ambrisentan 0.73, bosentan 0.77), BDI (MD: -0.16; 95% CI: -0.98, 0.65, SUCRA score: ambrisentan 0.83, bosentan 0.66), clinical worsening (HR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.33, 2.94, SUCRA score: ambrisentan 0.75, bosentan 0.74) and discontinuation due to AEs (HR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.11, 5.86, SUCRA score: ambrisentan 0.47, bosentan 0.57). However, ambrisentan was significantly better than bosentan with respect to abnormal liver function (HR: 23.18; 95% CI: 2.24, 377.20, SUCRA score: ambrisentan 0.99, bosentan 0.02).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

The results of this network meta-analysis suggest that ambrisentan was similar to bosentan in efficacy, while it exhibited better tolerability with respect to abnormal liver function in comparison with bosentan, in patients with PAH.

Inhibition of endothelin A receptor by a novel, selective receptor antagonist enhances morphine-induced analgesia: Possible functional interaction of dimerized endothelin A and μ-opioid receptors

BACKGROUND

The misuse of opioids has led to an epidemic in recent times. The endothelin A receptor (ETAR) has recently attracted attention as a novel therapeutic target to enhance opioid analgesia. We hypothesized that endothelin A receptors may affect pain mechanisms by heterodimerization with μ opioid receptors. We examined the mechanisms of ETAR-mediated pain and the potential therapeutic effects of an ETAR antagonist, Compound-E, as an agent for analgesia.

METHODS

Real-time in vitro effect of Compound-E on morphine response was assessed in HEK293 cells expressing both endothelin A and μ opioid receptors through CellKey™ and cADDis cAMP assays. Endothelin A/μ opioid receptor dimerization was assessed by immunoprecipitation and live cell imaging. The in vivo effect of Compound-E was evaluated using a morphine analgesia mouse model that observed escape response behavior, body temperature, and locomotor activity.

RESULTS

In CellKey™ and cAMP assays, pretreatment of cells with endothelin-1 attenuated morphine-induced responses. These responses were improved by Compound-E, but not by BQ-123 nor by bosentan, an ETAR and endothelin B receptor antagonist. Dimerization of ETARs and μ opioid receptors was confirmed by Western blot and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy in live cells. In vivo, Compound-E potentiated and prolonged the analgesic effects of morphine, enhanced hypothermia, and increased locomotor activity compared to morphine alone.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that attenuation by endothelin-1 of morphine analgesia may be caused by dimerization of Endothelin A/μ opioid receptors. The novel ETAR antagonist Compound-E could be an effective adjunct to reduce opioid use.

Haemodynamic benefit of bridging use of bosentan prior to pulmonary endarterectomy

OBJECTIVES

Some patients present with excessive pulmonary hypertension (PH) prior to pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This study was performed to evaluate the clinical role of pretreatment before PEA in CTEPH patients.

METHODS

A total of 370 patients with CTEPH undergoing first PEA between 2003 and 2017 were divided into those receiving pretreatment with bosentan (group B: n = 119) and those without targeted pretreatment for PH (group C: n = 251). After selecting patients given bosentan (2-8 months) and using propensity score matching, comparable patient cohorts (n = 23 each) were created from both groups. PEA was performed in the standard manner, and the median number of extracted segments was 14.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in perioperative demographic characteristics or 30-day mortality (overall 5.7%) between the groups before and after matching. In patients with preoperative pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ≥800 dynes s/cm5, a significantly larger decrease in PVR was found in group B (78%) compared to group C (68%) (P = 0.033). There was no significant difference in late survival between the groups after matching. The frequency of residual/persistent PH (mean pulmonary artery pressure >25 mmHg) was lower in group B than in group C, although the difference was not significant (22% vs 39%, respectively, P = 0.200). Advanced age and longer cardiopulmonary bypass time were independent predictors of both 30-day mortality and residual/persistent PH (odds ratio: age, 1.053, 1.013, cardiopulmonary bypass time, 1.065, 1.010, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative treatment of CTEPH patients with bosentan for 2-8 months can improve post-PEA PVR without adverse clinical events in patients with a high preoperative PVR. A temporary bridging regime appears beneficial in selected patients prior to PEA.

Efficacy and Safety of Long-Term Oral Bosentan in Different Types of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to identify if long-term bosentan is an effective and safe treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) regardless of type, including idiopathic PAH (IPAH), and PAH associated with congenital heart disease (APAH-CHD), connective tissue disease (APAH-CTD), and human immunodeficiency virus (APAH-HIV).

METHODS

All relevant observations were systematically searched by two independent investigators and obtained from three databases, including PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, from the inception of each database to February 2020. Currently, long-term administration was defined as no less than 12 months. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was selected according to outcomes of the heterogeneity test for meta-analysis, where standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used for continuous outcomes, in addition to the estimated effect (ES; 95% CI) for the synthesized survival rate. Furthermore, subgroup analysis was applied to analyze the differences of efficacy and survivals in each type of PAH cohort.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies including a total of 659 subjects undergoing oral bosentan administration for at least 12 months were pooled in this quantitative review. Meta-analysis and subgroup analysis indicated that significant clinical benefits existed, including an improved 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and functional class (FC), in patients with APAH-CHD (6MWD: SMD 0.72, 95% CI 0.52-0.93, p < 0.0001; functional benefits: 50.4%, 95% CI 43.7-57.1%), APAH-HIV (6MWD: SMD 0.83, 95% CI 0.36-1.30, p = 0.001; functional benefits: 80.4%), and IPAH (SMD 0.54, 95% CI 0.28-0.80, p < 0.0001; functional benefits: 61.4%, 95% CI 54.2-68.5%), but a non-significant change in APAH-CTD (6MWD: SMD 0.18, 95% CI - 0.60 to 0.95, p = 0.656; functional benefits: 27.5%). Furthermore, among the hemodynamic parameters, long-term bosentan led to a significant decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure (SMD - 0.86, p < 0.0001) in APAH-CTD, and a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance (SMD - 0.65, p < 0.0001) and elevated oxygen saturation (SMD 0.30, p = 0.006) in APAH-CHD. Importantly, in all pooled studies, the overall survival indicated 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of 94.3%, 88.8%, and 81.7%, respectively, in all-cause PAH, and subgroup analysis demonstrated a relative decreasing trend in patients with HIV, from a 2-year survival of 89.8% to a 3-year survival of 66.1%. Adverse drug reactions were relatively mild.

CONCLUSION

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, long-term administration of oral bosentan has been identified as a well-tolerated and effective agent in different types of PAH. In addition, we conclude that long-term oral bosentan should be considered for patients with CTD to achieve a satisfactory exercise capacity, and for those with APAH-HIV to improve survivals, where more attention on adverse events is required.

The Clinical Efficacy of Endothelin Receptor Antagonists in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Therapeutic strategies for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have made remarkable progress over the last two decades. Currently, 3 types of drugs can be used to treat PAH; prostacyclins, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, and endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA). In Japan, the first generation ERA bosentan was reimbursed in 2005, following which the 2nd generation ERAs ambrisentan and macitentan were reimbursed in 2009 and 2015, respectively. The efficacy of each ERA on hemodynamics in PAH patients remains to be elucidated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of ERAs and compare these effects among each generation of ERAs.We retrospectively examined the clinical parameters of 42 PAH patients who were prescribed an ERA (15 bosentan, 12 ambrisentan, and 15 macitentan) and who underwent a hemodynamic examination before and after ERA introduction at our institution from January 2007 to July 2019.In a total of 42 patients, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were significantly decreased and cardiac index was significantly increased after ERA introduction (P < 0.001) and the World Health Organization-Functional class (WHO-Fc) was significantly improved after ERA introduction (P = 0.005). Next, in a comparison between 1st and 2nd generation ERAs, 2nd generation ERAs were found to have brought about greater improvements in hemodynamic parameters (mPAP and PVR. P < 0.01), heart rate, brain natriuretic peptide, arterial oxygen saturation, and mixed venous oxygen saturation than the 1st generation ERA bosentan.We conclude that all ERAs could successfully improve the hemodynamics of PAH patients and that the newer generation ERAs, ambrisentan and macitentan, seemed to be preferable to bosentan.

Advances in targeted therapy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterized by unresolved thrombi in the pulmonary arteries and microvasculopathy in nonoccluded areas. If left untreated, progressive pulmonary hypertension will induce right heart failure and, finally, death. Currently, pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) remains the only method that has the potential to cure CTEPH. Unfortunately, up to 40% of patients are ineligible for this procedure for various reasons. In recent years, refined balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has become an alternative option for inoperable CTEPH patients, and it may be another curative treatment in the future, particularly in combination with prior PEA. Nevertheless, 23% of patients still suffer from persistent PH after BPA. Given that CTEPH shares many similarities with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), targeted drugs developed for PAH are also attractive options for CTEPH, especially for inoperable or persistent/recurrent CTEPH patients. To date, riociguat, macitentan, and subcutaneous treprostinil are the only drugs proven by randomized control trials to be capable of improving the exercise capacity (6-min walking distance) of CTEPH patients. In this review, we summarize the achievements and unresolved problems of PAH-targeted therapy for CTEPH over the last decade.

Hypertension Drug Therapy

Hypertension is still the number one global killer. No matter what causes are, lowering blood pressure can significantly reduce cardiovascular complications, cardiovascular death, and total death. Unfortunately, some hypertensive individuals simply do not know having hypertension. Some knew it but either not being treated or treated but blood pressure does not achieve goal. The reasons for inadequate control of blood pressure are many. One important reason is that we are not very familiar with antihypertensive agents and less attention has been paid to comorbidities, complications as well as the hypertension-modified target organ damage in patients with hypertension. The right antihypertensive drug was not given to the right hypertensive patients at right time. This reviewer studied comprehensively the literature, hopefully that the review will help improve antihypertensive drug selection and antihypertensive therapy.