On 11/13/2008 01:19 PM, Dave Brett wrote:
> 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.

Unfortunately, the link above goes only to a page that requires a US$20
payment in order to access the full text of the paper and the abstract
does not say anything related to your remarks above. In addition, my
university access does not have that journal available. Without reading
the full text any reasoned opinion about what you ask is impossible, but
it seems to me if it were viewed as really important it would have been
mentioned in the abstract. If you have the full text (pdf) and could
send it to me by email attachment then I would be happy read it and
comment further.

> 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.

I look forward to your report.

--Paul

>
>
> Dave Brett
>