The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Valsartan (Valsacor®) on arterial pressure (AP) and indices of myocardial diastolic and global function in patients with uncontrolled arterial hypertension (AH).

Material and methods:
60 patients (39 men and 21 women, mean age 63.9 ± 10.8 years, P > 140/90 mmHg with a background of combined antihypertensive therapy) were involved in the study. Valsartan (Valsacor®) was added to the standard therapy. The follow-up continued for three months, with clinical visits at initiation and completion of the study. The echocardiographic (EchoCG) evaluation included measurements of left ventricular and left atrial dimensions and function via longitudinal strain and Doppler-analysis of the transmitral blood flow.

Results:
The administration of Valsartan (Valsacor®) resulted in a significant improvement in the antihypertensive control in the studied patients. The mean values of the baseline systolic blood (SBP) and diastolic blood (DBP) pressure in the studied group of patients were 174.9 ± 17.9 (range 150-230) mmHg and 97.5 ± 6.4 (range 85-110) mmHg, respectively. The mean SBP and DBP values at the end of the third month of the follow-up period were 139.1 ± 10.9 (range 120-180) mmHg and 84.9 ± 6.2 mmHg, respectively, at p < 0.05, compared to the baseline. The results of the echocardiographic analysis revealed significant differences in the dynamic performance of the indices: telesystolic dimension of the left ventricle, deceleration time (DT), E', E/E' ratio and values of longitudinal strain. The observed dynamic performance reflects favourable responses of the indices for diastolic function and longitudinal strain in the studied patients.

Conclusion:
Valsartan (Valsacor®), used as an adjunct to the standard antihypertensive therapy in patients with insufficiently controlled AH, leads to optimisation of the AP values and improvement of the indices of diastolic and global myocardial function, with a very good safety profile.