I found this recent study of canines treated for hypertension.
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/118/10/1002

The authors comment, in the Clinical Perspective, "Thus, aortic size
should be monitored carefully in clinical trials of these agents."

The comment was in view of their findings that "A highly significant
effect of ALT to increase aortic dimension was observed. This
occurred despite lower BP over the course of the model and was
independent of distending pressure or body size".

I wonder if this is a significant cause for concern in those of us
taking ALT-711 on a chronic basis and would be interested to read any
comments.

Coincidentally, I have a heart scan scheduled for next week and will
make a point of asking the radiographer if he/she can detect any
significant change in the size of my aorta since the last scan seven
years ago.

I'll report my results back to the group in a couple of weeks, after
I receive the full report from the doctor who reviews my scan.


Dave Brett