Influences of enhanced external counterpulsation on pulse wave velocity and vascular endothelial function in hypertensive patients complicated by impaired glucose tolerance

AIM:To explore the effect of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on the pulse wave velocity and vascular endothelial function in hypertensive patients complicated by impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). METHODS: Eighty hypertensive patients complicated by IGT were divided into treatment group (n=44, conventional treatment+EECP) and control group (n=36, conventional treatment). Both groups received conventional antihypertensive treatment, but EECP was added in the treatment group based on the conventional treatment. Blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, endothelin (ET) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured and compared between groups. RESULTS: Blood pressure in the two groups after treatment was dramatically reduced (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference between groups. The baPWV of patients in treatment group ［(1602±214) vs.(1890±251) cm/s, P<0.01］ and control group ［(1704±221) vs.(1893±243) cm/s, P<0.05］ after treatment decreased significantly. The ET level of patients in the treatment group ［(63±21) vs.(90±24) ng/L, P<0.01］ and control group ［(75±20) vs.(90±24) ng/L, P<0.05］ also decreased significantly after treatment. However, NO level of patients in treatment group ［(79±17) vs.(51±19) mmol/L, P<0.01］ and control group ［(68±17) vs.(51±18) μmol/L, P<0.05］ increased significantly after treatment. However, the baPWV, ET and NO of patients in treatment group improved more significantly compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Enhanced external counterpulsation can improve the pulse wave velocity and vascular endothelial function in hypertensive patients complicated by impaired glucose tolerance.