Supplementation With Vitamins C and E Improves Arterial Stiffness and Endothelial Function in Essential Hypertensive Patients

Yvonne Plantinga, Lorenzo Ghiadoni, Armando Magagna, Chiara Giannarelli, Ferdinando Franzoni, Stefano Taddei, Antonio Salvetti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

193 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Essential hypertension is characterized by endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and increased oxidative stress. We evaluated the effect of short-term combined treatment with the antioxidants vitamins C and E on endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and oxidative stress in untreated essential hypertensive patients. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study design was used to assign 30 male essential hypertensive patients to either vitamin C (1 g) and vitamin E (400 IU) or placebo for 8 weeks. Endothelium-dependent response was assessed as flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Arterial stiffness was assessed as central pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx). Plasma markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status were measured. Results: After vitamin supplementation, FMD was significantly improved. Central PWV was significantly reduced, while AIx tended to decrease. Plasma vitamin levels and antioxidant capacity increased significantly. Levels of oxidative stress decreased. Changes in central PWV were related to changes in levels of oxidative stress. Conclusions: Combined treatment with vitamins C and E has beneficial effects on endothelium-dependent vasodilation and arterial stiffness in untreated, essential hypertensive patients. This effect is associated with changes in plasma markers of oxidative stress.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)392-397
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension
Volume20
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Endothelial function
  • antioxidants
  • arterial stiffness
  • essential hypertension
  • oxidative stress

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