Abstract: AIM: To explore the effects of angiotensin Ⅱ antagonist irbesartan on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and cardiac function in patients with essential hypertension.METHODS: 120 patients with essential hypertension and LVH were randomized divided into two groups (n=60 in each):the irbesartan (150-300 mg°d^-1) group and atenolol (25-50 mg°d^-1) group, all the patients were treated for 8 months.The echocardiography and radionuclide ventriculography were examined before and after 8 months of treatment with irbesartan or atenolol.RESULTS: Data were analyzed and showed as followed:(1) After 8 months of treatment with irbesartan or atenolol, blood pressure was decreased from 159 101 to 142/89 mmHg (P<0.01) or from 161 103 to 145/90 mmHg (P<0.01), respectively.(2) Left ventricular mass index decreased from 165 to 128 g°m^-2 (P<0.01) or from 163 to 139 g°m^-2 (P<0.05), respectively.(3) LVPFR increased from 1.87 to 2.59 (P<0.05) in irbesartan group but no change was found in the atenolol group.CONCLUSION: Long-term treatment with irbesartan can result in a significant reduction of LVH and a significant amelioration of left ventricular diastolic function in patients with essential hypertension.

Key words: essential hypertension, irbesartan, LVH,cardiac function,angiotensin Ⅱ antagonist