Abstract: AIM: To observe the effects of butyphthalide on the thickness of the intracarotid-midcarotid membrane(IMT) and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein(hsCRP)of elderly patients with hypertension.METHODS: Sixty elderly patients with hypertension were randomly divided into the comparison group (n=30)and treatment group(n=30). Comparison group was given hypotensive agent regularly with 100 mg/d aspirin.Treatment group was given the same medication as the comparison group and 20 mg butyphthalide (two time a day) as well.Both groups are monitored for 6 months.The IMT and hsCRP of those sixty patients with hypotension are measured before and after the trial.RESULTS: After the trial, the IMT and hsCRP in treatment group were significantly lower than those in comparison group.There was no statistical difference(P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Butyphthalide can inhibit the growth of IMT and inflammatory reaction. It can also delay the development of atherosclerosis.

Key words: Butyphthalide, Atherosclerosis, hsCRP, IMT