Platelet and haemorheological markers in ‘high risk’ hypertensives are improved by tighter blood pressure control and cardiovascular risk management: a substudy of the Anglo‐Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT)

Abstract

Intensified cardiovascular risk management results in significant improvements in indices of endothelial, platelet and rheological function in a population of hypertensives at high risk of cardiovascular events. These improvements appear to be independent of the degree of change in BP. Given the fundamental role of interactions between the endothelium and circulating blood components in the pathogenesis of hypertensive complications this may be of importance in preventing adverse cardiovascular outcomes.