Effect of irbesartan on skeletal metabolism in moderately elderly males with primary hypertension

AIM To observe the effect of irbesartan on skeletal metabolism in moderately elderly males with primary hypertension(PH). METHODS Ninety-four male PH patients aged from 40-89 years were enrolled and divided into irbesartan group(therapeutic dose, >3 years, n=34) and contral no treatment group(no ACEI/ARB treatment, n=60). The difference of bone mineral density(BMD), fracture ratio, concentration of serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase was compared between groups. RESULTS Compared with those in the no ACEI/ARB treatment group, T value and BMD of femoral neck, total femur and vertebra lumbalis increased significantly in irbesartan group. CONCLUSION Irbesartan exerts protective effects on the skeletal system in moderately elderly males with PH.