--- In morelife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Wakfer <paul@...> wrote:
>
> 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.

When I originally posted this message the full text was indeed
available at the link quoted - albeit in html form only. At the time
I noticed that a fee was required for the pdf version. I printed html
version for my records and if any interested group member would like
a copy I'm happy to scan and email it.

[Thanks to a member with access, I now have a pdf version (see my reply
to your earlier post in this thread, #1933), which, if anyone requests
a copy, it would be far easier to provide as well as easier for hir to
use. --Paul]


> > 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.


Unfortunately I'm still waiting for the report to arrive from the
consultant and the attending radiologist at the time was unable to
say whether the aorta appeared to be enlarged. It seems that the
heart scan doesn't pick this up. She suggested that an ultrasound
might be a more appropriate way of investigating the size of the
aorta. However, I asked her if she would mention my concerns to the
consultant anyway to see what he would suggest.

The radiologists initial comment to me was that, off the record,
everything looked fine with my heart and unchanged from my previous
scan seven years ago.

Should the consultant's report present any further relevant
information I'll post it.


Dave