<Original article>Effect of Valsartan, an Angiotensin-II-Receptor Antagonist, on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Background: The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of an angiotensin-II-receptor antagonist, valsartan, on echocardiographically proven left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Methods: Patients received a low dose of valsartan for 6 months. This low dose has no clinical effect on blood pressure. Echocardiographic data of 37 patients were analyzed. Results: After 6 months of valsartan therapy, the overall mean left ventricular mass index decreased slightly, from 109.0±26.1 to 108.1±22.0 g/m^2 (n=37). However a significant decrease was observed in the subgroup of patients with LVH (n=16), from 128.3±22.9 to 121.9±23.3 g/m^2 (P<0.05). There were no significant differences before and after treatment in body mass index, HbA_<1c>, or systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: In Type 2 diabetic patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, treatment with valsartan for 6 months reduced the left ventricular mass index with no fall in systemic blood pressure.