Modulation of renin-angiotensin system and arterial stiffness: evidence from clinical trials.

Arterial stiffness has been recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertension. The activity of the renin-angiotensin system(RAS) is well-known to be involved in the control of blood pressure, and pathogenesis and evolution of several cardiovascular diseases. Although data relating the RAS activity to arterial stiffness are incomplete, there is growing evidence which shows that drugs which interfere with angiotensin II reduce arterial stiffness. This brief review is to summarize the various effects of commonly used antihypertensive agents on arterial stiffness and to present clinical trials regarding RAS modulation in stiffness reduction.