nickppatel
04/29/2006
. Hi, and thanks for taking my question. I have a dilated aortic root and ascending aorta, about 3.8cm and 3.4cm, respectively. I've been taking 40mg/day Diovan/valsartan recently in addition to beta blockers. I've heard about studies and reports that ARBs such as losartan and valsartan have proven effective in mice to treat aortic aneurysms in Marfan mice and to effectivel 'heal' them.
1.) So this is a general question - in your practice, have you seen beneficial results on human aortic aneurysms using ARBs?
2.) To the extent that you might know, is my dose of 40mg/day for a 180 lb, 6'1" man too light to have an effect?
Thanks!
CCF-M.D.-bkj
04/29/2006
nickppatel nick,
The data you are referring to is from a recent study and is observational data in an animal model. It is hard to extrapolate to clinical practice, and often what wee see in animal models doesnt play out.
That said, generall my practice for patients with aortic aneurysms involves strict blood pressure control, first with beta blockers.
the usually next with usually an ACE inhibitor or an ARB if there is a rason not to use an ACE. As far as dosing, I usually titrate to blood pressure.
good luck
